Depression and Anxiety as Mental Health Disorders That Affect Pregnancy: A Case Study in Surakarta, Indonesia

Obstetric characteristics of pregnancy and the reproductive process are related to the susceptibility of pregnant women to mental health problems. This study aims to analyze the relationship between obstetric characteristics and antenatal depression during symptoms among pregnant women in Surakarta. The observational studies were conducted using a cross-sectional design to describe the symptoms of antenatal depression. A sample of 150 pregnant women was recruited from selected health centers using random cluster sampling in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. Data were collected using a biographies characteristics questionnaire. The scale of depressive symptoms during pregnancy was measured using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire in Indonesian, which was validated and proved reliable in previous studies. Pregnant women filled out the questionnaire independently after completing ANC services. To analyze the data, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were computed. The results showed that poor obstetric history experienced by pregnant women has a significant role in antenatal depression (p-value 0.021) OR: 3.071 (95% CI: 1.187 - 7.947). This means that a poor obstetric history is three times more likely to develop depression during pregnancy. Unplanned pregnancy variables affect antenatal depression symptoms. The logistic regression analysis showed that planned pregnancy could prevent depression three times (p-value 0.011), OR: 0.339 (95% CI: 0.147 -0.784). Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy and poor obstetric history were the dominant factors affecting antenatal depression symptoms. An unplanned pregnancy affected readiness for adjustment during pregnancy. Also, poor obstetric history left unpleasant experiences, which could create psychological conditions for subsequent pregnancies.