Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the UK, 11.8% of expectant mothers undergo an elective caesarean section (ELCS) representing 92 000 births per annum. It is not known to what extent this procedure has an impact on mental well-being in the longer term. AIMS: To determine the prevalence and postpartum progression of anxiety and depression symptoms in women undergoing ELCS in Wales. METHOD: Prevalence of depression and anxiety were determined in women at University Hospital Wales (2015-16; n = 308) through completion of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; ≥13) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; ≥40) questionnaires 1 day prior to ELCS, and three postpartum time points for 1 year. Maternal characteristics were determined from questionnaires and, where possible, confirmed from National Health Service maternity records. RESULTS: Using these criteria the prevalence of reported depression symptoms was 14.3% (95% CI 10.9-18.3) 1 day prior to ELCS, 8.0% (95% CI 4.2-12.5) within 1 week, 8.7% (95% CI 4.2-13.8) at 10 weeks and 12.4% (95% CI 6.4-18.4) 1 year postpartum. Prevalence of reported anxiety symptoms was 27.3% (95% CI 22.5-32.4), 21.7% (95% CI 15.8-28.0), 25.3% (95% CI 18.5-32.7) and 35.1% (95% CI 26.3-44.2) at these same stages. Prenatal anxiety was not resolved after ELCS more than 1 year after delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Women undergoing ELCS experience prolonged anxiety postpartum that merits focused clinical attention. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: None.