Introduction

Modality of labour, such as spontaneous or elective induction, can have relevant implications on the well-being of mothers. For example, elective induction is associated with higher rates of caesarean section, higher use of instruments for vaginal deliveries, higher rates of epidural analgesia more transfers of baby to the neonatal ward and higher risk of problems breastfeeding However, less attention has been paid to the implications of the modality of labour on the psychological well-being of the mother. The aim of the present study was to explore whether spontaneous or elective induction labour is linked to the level of postnatal depression and anxiety three months after the birth.

One hundred and sixty-one women (Mage = 31.63; SD = 4.88) were recruited using the following exclusion criteria: age > 18; no previous diagnosis of depression or anxiety; and no high-risk pregnancy. Data was collected at two different times: T1 (day of childbirth) clinical data of labour (spontaneous or elective induction) from hospital records; T2 (three months after birth) level of mother’s depression and anxiety using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the State Anxiety Inventory.

Results of ANOVA showed that women who had a spontaneous labour reported lower levels of anxiety and depression than women who had an elective induction labour.

Our results highlight the significant implication that the quality of labour has on the well-being of mothers.

Biography

Franca Tani, psychologist and psychoanalyst, is specialized in Psychology at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Siena. She is member of the International Psychoanalytical Association (I.P.A.). She is Full Professor of Developmental Psychology at the Department of Health Sciences and Dean of the School of Psychology of the University of Florence. Her research interests concern the development of social and relational competence across lifespan, particularly networks of close relationships and their influence on individual development and well-being. For many years she has been studying the protective and risk factors influencing mother-child health and well-being in the perinatal period.

Presenting author details

Full name: Franca Tani
Contact number: +39-055-2755381
Session name/ number: Healthcare and Women’s Health
Category: Poster presentation.