Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Linked to Anxiety and Depression

Researchers have found in a new study that recurrent pregnancy loss was linked to anxiety and depression in both men and women. The findings of the new study have been published in Life (Basel).

Study Aim

The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on depression, stress, and anxiety in women who experienced recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) compared to controls and to men who experienced RPL.

Findings

• The pooled results showed a higher level of moderate/severe depression among women who experienced recurrent pregnancy loss compared to controls (5,359 women, random effects model, odds ratio (OR) 3.77, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.71-5.23, p < 0.00001, I² 0%).
• Anxiety and stress levels were also higher among women experiencing RPL compared to controls.
• The pooled results showed a higher level of moderate/severe depression in women who experienced recurrent pregnancy loss compared to men who underwent the same experience (113/577 (19.5%) women versus 33/446 (7%) men, random effects model, OR 4.63; 95% CI 2.95-7.25, p < 0.00001, I² 0%).
• Similarly, higher levels of stress and anxiety in women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss compared to men experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss were described.

Women who experienced recurrent pregnancy loss showed higher rates of moderate-severe depression, stress, and anxiety compared to both controls and men who experienced recurrent pregnancy loss. Healthcare professionals should implement screening for anxiety and depression and provide social support for both partners, supporting them in dealing with recurrent pregnancy loss according to sex-specific responses to this stressful event.

Reference

Inversetti A, Perna G, Lalli G, Grande G, Di Simone N. Depression, Stress and Anxiety among Women and Men Affected by Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Life (Basel). 2023 May 27;13(6):1268. doi: 10.3390/life13061268. PMID: 37374051; PMCID: PMC10301891.

Keywords

Inversetti A, Perna G, Lalli G, Grande G, Di Simone N, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, among, Women, Men, Affected, Recurrent, Pregnancy Loss, Life (Basel)