An Integrative Review Examining the Manifestation and Trajectory of Depression from Pregnancy to Postpartum in Childbearing Women

Written by Marissa R. Kraus, Shannon D. Simonovich, & Karen M. Tabb

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2019.0901.0905

Abstract

Background: Depression is a significant concern impacting the health of our maternal populations and directly contributing to maternal mortality. While postpartum depression (PPD) is documented to have significant impacts on maternal child health and maternal mortality, no known study to date has examined the manifestation and trajectory of PPD in women of childbearing age.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to conduct an integrative literature review to examine the trajectory of PPD. In order to best prevent, treat, and manage PPD, it is important to understand the manifestation of this illness.

Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted utilizing CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health. After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 14 articles were included in this literature review.

Results: Of the 14 original research articles included in this integrative review, 10 (71%) determined that women who developed PPD also experienced depression either antepartum or before pregnancy. Through this literature review, the trajectory of PPD was described as being the manifestation of earlier depression, rather than a new onset of a depression episode.

Conclusion: There are several opportunities for addressing the trajectory of PPD. It is essential for the allied health care force to better recognize PPD, its prevention, and its treatment as early as possible in the perinatal period. With the knowledge of this trajectory of PPD in mind, further studies need to explore these health care implications.

Keywords: postpartum depression, perinatal depression, antenatal depression, trajectory, maternal mortality