Aim: Pre- and postnatal depressive symptoms may have a negative impact on maternal mental health and on mother-child bonding and interactions. The aim of the study was to assess the role of various factors on women's mental health during pregnancy and to evaluate the role of selected health care strategies in preventing mental health issues before and after delivery, with an emphasis on the development of fear of childbirth and postnatal depression. Design: A quantitative study. Methods: A non-standardized 125-item questionnaire was developed with questions about pregnancy, delivery, and puerperium, including questions about mental health, physical health, and different forms of care received before, during and after delivery, as well as personal satisfaction with these forms of care was developed. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess depressive symptoms after delivery. Enrollment was purposive, and 361 women between six weeks and nine months postpartum were addressed. Statistical analysis was performed using SASD 1.5.8. Results: Fear of childbirth was found to be positively correlated with mental health issues during pregnancy and with the decision to have a cesarean delivery. No correlation was found between fear of childbirth and antenatal class attendance or trust in health professionals. Postnatal depression was positively correlated with mental health issues during pregnancy and with receiving information from the midwife about psychological changes during pregnancy, but negatively correlated with satisfaction with mother-infant bonding after delivery and with having a birth plan. No correlation was found between postnatal depression and sociodemographic characteristics or physical complications during pregnancy. Conclusion: Mental health issues during pregnancy and postpartum can negatively affect the quality of mother-child interactions and family interactions. It is crucial to pay attention to preventive measures, to educate both midwives and gynecologists about the importance of mental health during pregnancy, and to include mental health interventions during pregnancy in antenatal classes. It is important to pay attention to mother-infant bonding straight in the delivery ward as it is strongly associated with postnatal depression in the mother and well-being of the child.

České Budějovice Hospital Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Czech Republic

Institute of Humanities in Helping Professions Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice

Institute of Nursing Midwifery and Emergency Care Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice

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