Maternal Expectations on Labor Analgesia and Risk of Postpartum Depression: An Observational Study

Maternal Expectations on Labor Analgesia and Risk of Postpartum Depression: An Observational Study

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is defined as the development of depression at any time during the first year after childbirth¹. Its prevalence ranges from 15% to 20%. It can manifest with symptoms such as depressed mood, loss of interest and energy, insomnia, anxiety, and may even lead to suicidal ideation. The consequences are numerous, both physical and psychological, with long-term repercussions on the mother-infant bond, family dysfunction, and the development of emotional and cognitive disorders in children. The etiology of PPD is multifactorial, but numerous recent studies have focused on the role of labor pain and its management with labor analgesia techniques. The aim of the present study is therefore to assess whether there is a difference in the incidence of PPD between parturients whose expectations regarding labor analgesia were met ('expectations met' group) versus those whose expectations were unmet.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Signed informed consent
• Planned vaginal delivery (spontaneous or induced)
• Pregnancy
• Age > 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to local anesthetics
• Language barrier
• Contraindications to labor analgesia
• Delivery by Cesarean section
• Known history of psychiatric disorders (including major depression)