This study aims to investigate the mediating role of bedtime procrastination in the relationship between sleep quality and pregnancy-related anxiety in pregnant women.

Infertility can lead to significant psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, adversely affecting the quality of life and treatment outcomes for affected women. This study systematically reviews non-pharmacological interventions, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), aimed at improving quality of life, mental health, and birth rates among infertile women. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PUBMED/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and ULAKBİM) up to 22 February 2025, following PRISMA guidelines, with registration in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023457742). The analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on CBT, with quality of life as the primary outcome. Eight studies involving 687 women met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis results revealed significant enhancements in quality of life (SMD: 1.97), alongside notable reductions in depression (SMD: -3.34) and anxiety (MD: -2.09). Additionally, a positive trend in pregnancy rates was observed (MD: 0.48). Despite the promising findings, the overall quality of evidence was deemed low to moderate due to potential biases. This meta-analysis underscores the effectiveness of CBT in improving mental health and quality of life in infertile women, highlighting the need for further high-quality research to validate these outcomes and endorse cognitive interventions in infertility treatment.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern affecting both mothers and fathers, with paternal well-being being a crucial yet often neglected factor in family mental health.

A gynecological examination is a crucial component of gynecological care. Many women undergoing examinations may experience anxiety, particularly when insufficient precautions are taken to ensure bodily privacy.

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on depression, anxiety, stress, mindfulness, and neonatal outcomes in randomized controlled trials.

This study aimed to explore the association between gut microbiota and postpartum depression (PPD) through meta-analysis, providing a basis for effective clinical preventive interventions.​.

To assess the impact of low-dose intravenous esketamine on postpartum depression scores in women undergoing cesarean section.

Despite evidence on effectivity and WHO recommendations, continuous care during labor is not yet available for all women. Options such as doula support are being considered, but face barriers in accessibility. To explore other implementation options, the Continuous Care Trial looked at the provision of continuous care by maternity care assistants. Maternity care assistants are well-established care providers within Dutch maternity care, routinely involved in the final stages of labor and postpartum. This qualitative study is an addition to the Continuous Care Trial and explores women's experiences with continuous care during labor by maternity care assistants in the Netherlands. Fourteen interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for manifest content analysis, following the methodology of Graneheim and Lundman. The explored experiences were analyzed for evident similarities and differences. Findings were described in three themes: 'Women's experiences with continuous care,' 'Continuous care of maternity care assistants' and 'Perspectives on implementation.' Noted facilitators include positive effects of continuous care, a larger role of the partner, and recognition of the professional background of the maternity care assistant. Barriers include difficulty to decide when and what kind support to ask for and lack of knowledge on the effectivity of continuous support.

To determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among infertile women in Zanzibar and explore their risk factors, infertile female patients were recruited from Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar. The questionnaire survey was adopted. Ordinal univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were separately conducted to identify the risk factors associated with depression and anxiety in this sample. Among 330 infertile women, the overall prevalence of depression among patients with infertility was 40.3% and the incidence of anxiety was 66.06%. Older age (odds ratios (ORs): 1.056, 95%CI: 1.004-1.112,  = .035) and low education level (OR: 0.685, 95%CI: 0.475-0.987,  = .042) were the independent risk factors for depression. Low educational level (OR: 0.678, 95%CI: 0.482-0.954,  = .026) and primary infertility (OR: 1.546; 95%CI: 1.028-2.324,  = .036) were the risk factors for anxiety. Low educational level is a risk factor for both depression and anxiety in infertile women. Older age is a risk factor for depression and primary infertility is a risk factor for anxiety.

The relation between maternal mental health and breastfeeding is complex, with breastfeeding often associated with improved well-being.

Infertility affects many reproductive-aged couples, with assisted reproductive technology (ART) offering hope but also significant emotional stress due to invasive procedures, hormonal fluctuations, uncertainty, and financial and emotional burden of repeated cycles. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a common ART complication, may further aggravate psychological distress, yet its mental health impact remains understudied.

To deeply explore the psychosocial adaptation experience of hysterectomy patients at various stages, with the aim of constructing a conceptual model to describe the complex experience of psychosocial adaptation.

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is associated with adverse outcomes, for the expecting woman as well as for her baby. In order to prevent and treat FOC, it is important to understand the psychological processes involved. Two potential key processes are intolerance of uncertainty and pain catastrophizing. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore intolerance of uncertainty and pain catastrophizing in pregnant individuals with severe vs. low/moderate FOC, and potential differences between nulliparas and multiparas. The sample of 332 individuals filled out a range of questionnaires, and were categorized as severe ( = 66) and low/moderate ( = 266) FOC. The results showed that participants with severe FOC (Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire, W-DEQ ≥85) reported higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty and pain catastrophizing than participants with low/moderate FOC. We did not find any significant differences between nulliparas and multiparas. Noteworthy, levels of pain catastrophizing in the severe FOC group were similar to those reported in chronic pain samples. Although we cannot draw any conclusions about causality or direction of proposed links, these findings warrant a need for identifying and developing treatment strategies to target intolerance of uncertainty and pain catastrophizing, in both nulliparas and multiparas with high levels of FOC.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Individuals with depression face higher risks of other STIs; however, the relationship between depression and HPV remains unclear.

Endometriosis (EMS) is associated with a markedly increased incidence of depression and anxiety, primarily due to cyclic pain, concerns about infertility from impaired ovarian function, and fear of disease recurrence. Surgery and its associated pain may trigger both emotional and physiological stress responses. Young, nulliparous patients with fertility intentions often experience additional psychological burdens related to surgical safety, postoperative recovery, and the potential impact on future fertility. Music has been shown to promote relaxation, reduce tension and anxiety, and alleviate pain. However, no studies have evaluated the postoperative effects of music therapy in this specific patient population.

Long working hours and psychological distress have each been related to adverse maternal health and birth outcomes. Understanding the potential psychological health impacts of long working hours among pregnant workers may support the implementation of maternity work protections in the United States (U.S.). This cross-sectional study among a weighted sample of 3637 pregnant workers from the U.S. population-based National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 1997-2018 aimed to examine the association of working hours with psychological distress. Multivariable linear regression models analyzed associations between categories of weekly working hours and continuous scores of psychological distress measured by the Kessler 6 (K6) scale, while accounting for demographic, socioeconomic, behavior and health characteristics. In the fully adjusted model, compared to the standard workweek of 35-40 h/week, working ≥49 h/week was associated with higher psychological distress [ (SE): 0.59 (0.21);  = .0058]. This initial evidence connecting excessive working hours with increased psychological distress among a U.S. sample of pregnant women supports clinical practices in prenatal assessments of occupational risk factors, and the provision of work-related resources and work accommodations. Future research is warranted to investigate potential occupational effects on maternal mental health throughout the course of pregnancy and postpartum using cohort studies.

Loss of control while eating (LOC) or feeling unable to control the amount or type of food consumed during an eating episode, is the core psychopathology in binge eating disorders. Yet, the impact of LOC on other psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy is not known. This study evaluated the contribution of prenatal LOC to psychological distress and disordered eating attitudes.

The neurobiological mechanisms linking perinatal pain and mood disorders remain unclear. Emotional dimensions of labor pain, particularly unpleasantness, may reflect engagement of limbic pathways shared with affective disorders. This study examined whether prenatal quantitative sensory testing (QST) parameters are associated with the sensory and emotional dimensions of labor pain. Healthy primiparous women were enrolled and followed from third trimester through delivery. Prenatal QST assessed mechanical and thermal thresholds, tolerances, and temporal summation. Labor pain was recorded hourly using a validated electronic diary. Univariable linear regression evaluated relationships between QST measures and labor pain outcomes. Of 164 participants completing QST, , 55 had complete labor pain diaries. Prenatal QST parameters were associated with emotional, but not sensory, aspects of labor pain. Pain unpleasantness was associated with average heat threshold (Coefficient = 40.3, SE = 17.2,  = 0.02), post wind-up pain (Coefficient = -48.9, SE = 25.3,  = 0.06) and post probe pain (Coefficient = -52.7, SE = 26.8,  = 0.06), using a  < 0.1 threshold to identify associations. Although exploratory, these findings suggest that prenatal QST, particularly thermal threshold and central sensitization measures, may help identify individuals at risk for maladaptive labor pain and postpartum mood disorders.

PCOS is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age, often involving obesity, insulin resistance, and mental health challenges that reduce health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Although metformin has been shown to improve HRQOL in PCOS patients, it is unclear whether this effect is due to the drug itself or its metabolic benefits. This study included 66 PCOS patients from the University Medical Center Mainz, in two groups: 31 received metformin (M-group) and 35 received alternative or no treatment (C-group). HRQOL and distress were assessed at baseline and after 6 months using the Modified PCOS-Questionnaire (MPCOSQ) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). At baseline, the M-group had significantly worse metabolic markers, including HOMA-IR, waist circumference, Visceral Adiposity Index, and Fatty Liver Index. By follow-up, this group showed greater improvements in these markers. However, both groups improved similarly in HRQOL and distress. Regression analysis revealed that improvements in HOMA-IR and BMI were associated with better HRQOL scores. Group assignment was not a significant predictor. These findings may indicate that improvements in HRQOL and reduced distress are linked to metabolic changes associated with metformin use, underscoring the potential relevance of addressing metabolic health in treatment approaches.

This study aims to systematically analyze the disease burden and epidemiological characteristics of depression among women of childbearing age (WCBA) globally and across regions from 1990 to 2021, as well as explore the current research status and hotspots.

Whilst the negative impact of fear of childbirth (FOC) is well established, there is limited understanding of the factors that reduce it. This study, aimed to explore the relationship between positive mental well-being, childbirth self-efficacy, and FOC during pregnancy through a Salutogenic lens. Using a cross-sectional design, 88 pregnant women recruited from a public hospital in North East Scotland completed an online survey including the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory (CBSEI), and Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ). The sample scored a mean of 50.36 on WEMWBS, 84.63 for efficacy-expectancy, 127.00 for efficacy-outcome on CBSEI, and 62.19 on W-DEQ. Twelve per cent exhibited a severe FOC. FOC was negatively correlated with mental well-being, childbirth self-efficacy expectancy, and self-efficacy outcome. Multiple regression analysis indicated that higher mental well-being (β = -0.39, p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of lower FOC. The findings highlights the important role of positive mental well-being and childbirth self-efficacy in reducing FOC, and suggest a need for antenatal education targeted at mastering childbirth techniques and enhancing positive emotions, sense of purpose, and meaning. These findings align with global health priorities by emphasizing the importance of antenatal care that supports and promotes both physical and mental well-being.

This randomized controlled trial explored the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of integrating mindfulness-based body scan (MBBS) interventions into multimodal pelvic floor physiotherapy for vulvodynia treatment. Participants received ten sessions of standardized physiotherapy. The mindfulness intervention group was instructed to additionally perform home-based audio-file guided MBBS five times a week. The primary study endpoint was feasibility. The effect on pain intensity, pain characteristics and sexuality were assessed with Numeric Rating scales (NRS), the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and digital assessment of pelvic floor. Thirty-three women were randomized and completed the end-of-treatment assessments and 26 (79%) attended the follow-up. 15 of 17 participants of the intervention group (88%) performed the body scans more than ten times and the feasibility criteria were achieved. The intervention group showed significantly better improvements in NRS of average pain, MPQ subscales and FSDS total score. Pelvic floor assessment showed a significant improvement of myofascial pressure points over time with no difference between study groups. Integration of MBBS trainings into multimodal pelvic floor physiotherapy for vulvodynia is feasible and well accepted and may improve pain reduction and sexual function.

Identifying women with secondary tokophobia and offering effective counseling can reduce the psychological burden of their negative experience's childbirth. In light of Iran's population incentive policies, this research will compare the effects of two telemedicine-based counseling methods on secondary tokophobia in single-child women.

Infertility, affecting one in six individuals worldwide, poses substantial emotional and physical challenges. Its impact on quality of life (QoL), mental health and social relationships is well documented. However, qualitative insights into the lived experiences of those affected remain limited, as do the perspectives of health professionals involved in their care. This study presents qualitative findings from a mixed-method approach. Data were collected through 23 semi-structured interviews with 26 affected individuals and three focus group discussions with 20 healthcare professionals. The results underscore the multifaceted burden of infertility, including emotional distress, relationship strain and a pervasive sense of social exclusion. Participants expressed a clear need for more empathetic and individualized care, while healthcare professionals pointed to structural barriers. The study also identified a lack of societal recognition for infertility and the complex challenges. In some narratives, spirituality emerged as a personal coping resource - though one that is often overlooked or insufficiently addressed in clinical practice. Key recommendations include the expansion of peer support networks, public awareness raising, flexible treatment models and interprofessional collaboration. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of peer support systems and interdisciplinary care models in addressing the complex and diverse needs of individuals affected by infertility.

This study aimed to determine predictive factors for peripartum depression (PPD).

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 8-13% of females. US population-based research on PCOS limited. We compare PCOS knowledge and describe common PCOS symptoms in those with and without PCOS.

With rapid social changes and evolving fertility policies in China, women experience significant fertility anxiety. However, existing tools focus on a single dimension, lacking a comprehensive measure tailored to Chinese women.

Perinatal female depression seriously endangers the health of mothers and infants, and effective intervention is the key to prevention and treatment. As a psychological intervention method that focuses on client-led treatment and emphasises emotional support, the role of non-directive counselling in depression intervention in perinatal women deserves in-depth discussion.