27104912

PMC6097234

Background

Poor maternal mental health during the postpartum period can have significant effects on the health of mothers, infants, and families. The findings from cross-sectional studies suggest that stress and social support are related to maternal mental health. This study contributes to the literature through the use of longitudinal data and examining moderation and mediation among these factors.

Methods

In 2012–2013, mothers completed surveys assessing stress, social support, and depressive and anxiety symptoms following birth (n=125), and three (n=110) and six months (n=99) after birth. We examined temporal associations, moderation, and mediation of social support on the relationship between stress and postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms using modified Poisson regression models and the counterfactual approach to mediation.

Results

Current levels of stress and social support were associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, both independently and when considered together at multiple time points. Social support did not strongly moderate or mediate the relationships between stress and maternal mental health.

Conclusions

Interventions to reduce current perceptions of stress and increase social support for mothers during the postpartum period may help improve maternal mental health symptoms. Efforts are needed to assess the current needs of mothers continuously.

CDC Public Access

T42 OH008491/OH/NIOSH CDC HHS/United States
U54 TR001356/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States