Age ruled out in risk of mother's baby blues
Source: Agencies |
October 27, 2011, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
WOMEN who have their first baby at an older age are not at any greater risk of post-natal depression than their younger counterparts, according to an Australian study of more than 500 first-time mothers.
Researchers led by Catherine McMahon at Macquarie University in Australia found women aged 37 or older were no more likely to get post-natal depression.
McMahon, a psychology professor, said: "Older mothers are frequently discussed in the media. There are a lot of myths and limited empirical data."
There has been speculation, for instance, that older mothers might have a tougher time adjusting to motherhood after being in the workforce for a long time, or have more trouble dealing with the lifestyle changes a baby brings.
"There is no research evidence to support these speculations," McMahon added, although she noted it is known older mothers have a greater risk of pregnancy complications and that these complications have been linked to the risk of post-natal depression.
McMahon's team followed 266 women who had conceived naturally and 275 who had undergone fertility treatment.
All the women answered questionnaires during their third trimester and had a diagnostic interview for depression when their babies were four months old.
Overall, eight percent of the women had major depression symptoms - at the lower end of what is seen among new mothers in general, the researchers said. There were 180 women aged 37 or older.
McMahon said questions remained for future studies, including whether going through menopause while caring for a young child presents challenges. She said: "There is considerable evidence that vulnerability to depression is greatest in mid-life."
Researchers led by Catherine McMahon at Macquarie University in Australia found women aged 37 or older were no more likely to get post-natal depression.
McMahon, a psychology professor, said: "Older mothers are frequently discussed in the media. There are a lot of myths and limited empirical data."
There has been speculation, for instance, that older mothers might have a tougher time adjusting to motherhood after being in the workforce for a long time, or have more trouble dealing with the lifestyle changes a baby brings.
"There is no research evidence to support these speculations," McMahon added, although she noted it is known older mothers have a greater risk of pregnancy complications and that these complications have been linked to the risk of post-natal depression.
McMahon's team followed 266 women who had conceived naturally and 275 who had undergone fertility treatment.
All the women answered questionnaires during their third trimester and had a diagnostic interview for depression when their babies were four months old.
Overall, eight percent of the women had major depression symptoms - at the lower end of what is seen among new mothers in general, the researchers said. There were 180 women aged 37 or older.
McMahon said questions remained for future studies, including whether going through menopause while caring for a young child presents challenges. She said: "There is considerable evidence that vulnerability to depression is greatest in mid-life."
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