Depression in pregnancy increases risk of mental health problems in children [ScienceDaily.com]

The authors of the review, which focused mainly on low and middle income countries, call for urgent interventions for mothers and children.

Depression in pregnancy is thought to affect up to one in five women globally in the late stages of pregnancy and shortly after birth. It is characterised by low mood and feelings of hopelessness, and is brought on by a number of factors that can include life events such as bereavement, and changes in brain chemistry.

Previous work from a team at Imperial College London suggests depression during pregnancy may affect the development of the baby while in the womb, as well as affecting bonding between mother and child after birth.

Now, the same team have shown that depression or anxiety can reduce the enzyme in the placenta that breaks down the 'stress hormone' cortisol, possibly causing more foetal exposure to the hormone. The foetus may also undergo epigenetic changes under stress, where underlying DNA stays the same but expression of that DNA is altered, perhaps affecting mental health during childhood.

Until now, much of the research into depression during pregnancy has focused on high income countries. The team argue that the problem is more common in low- and middle-income countries, and hence more resources are now needed in these areas to help expectant and new mothers. Not only is more investment needed in research, but also the development of appropriate low cost interventions that are specific to these areas.

Professor Vivette Glover, co-author of the research from the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial, said: "Our review of available literature suggests that treating the depression itself is crucial in reducing the risk to the child, as well as for helping the mother. It shows targeting specific symptoms of depression by using cognitive behavioural therapy, for example, can be useful in reducing depression and therefore its effect on the child.

"However, there is a substantial lack of research specific to women in poorer countries, where interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy may not be available."