Cognitions of antenatally depressed and non-depressed women

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Understanding cognitions and future-related imagery of antenatally depressed and non-depressed pregnant women, and the impact of impending motherhood.

• IRAS ID

  186528

• Contact name

  Natalie Cook

• Contact email

  natalie.cook@christie.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Antenatal depression is a type of depression that can affect women during pregnancy. When uncontrolled, it can significantly increase the risk for postnatal depression. Antenatal depression been associated with poor child outcomes, and may also impact negatively upon the woman’s thoughts and emotions about herself and her unborn baby. Furthermore, it has been shown to impact upon mother-foetal attachment during pregnancy, and the woman’s perceived ability to parent.
  
  Although several studies have demonstrated the benefits of cognitive behavioural therapy for antenatal depression, little research has been conducted investigating the specific thoughts and images of antenatally depressed women, and how these differ from those without depression. The study aims to identify whether there are differences between depressed and non-depressed pregnant women with regards to: (a) their thoughts about childbirth and motherhood; (b) their images about the future regarding the impending birth; and (c) their perceived ability to parent.

  The study will use data collected from approximately 40-46 antenatally-depressed and non-depressed pregnant women to compare their thoughts and images about the future, as well as their responses to several questionnaires that measure a range of psychological and social factors. These participants will be recruited from Oxfordshire and online forums across the UK, and will be receiving antenatal services from the National Health Service. These findings may inform the development of effective psychological techniques to use during pregnancy, which could lead to improved wellbeing during pregnancy, and improved birth outcomes for both the mother and infant.

• REC name

  South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  15/SC/0684

• Date of REC Opinion

  23 Dec 2015

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion