Anxiety, Depression, and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Pregnant Women
A Comprehensive Review
Keywords:
anxiety, depression, salivary cortisol levels, pregnant women, complications, quality of lifeAbstract
Pregnancy is an extraordinarily dynamic period of growth and development, which poses significant physical and psychological challenges to pregnant women and their partners. Stress, anxiety, and/or depression are emotional states that reign today, and their effective management is becoming increasingly necessary due to the public health problems they pose. This study assessed and analyzed outcomes associated with anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol levels in pregnant women. 88 samples of pregnant women whose ages ranged between 25-40 years were recruited. Mood symptoms were measured, which included anxiety, trait anxiety, and depression. This study identified that cortisol levels were classified as low (≤ 17.66 µg/L) and high (>17.66 μg/L). Measurements of salivary cortisol levels in pregnant women were also performed, which included Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, PHQ-2, and TPDS. Demographic rates showed that pregnant women aged 30-35 years had the highest percentage, which included 50%, the percentage of smokers was 20.45%, and the percentage of non-smokers was 79.55%. Comorbidities included high blood pressure in 20 women, and HIV in 5 Pregnant women, diabetes in 15 pregnant women, kidney disease in 6 pregnant women, rate of pregnant women with cortisol levels where low cortisol (≤ 17.66 µg/L) included 22 pregnant women and high cortisol (> 17.66 µg/L) included 66 pregnant women. The Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome score was 10.24 ± 3.78, the PHQ-2 was 9.81 ± 6.47, the TPDS was 18.23 ± 6.89, the mood for anxiety was 36.71 ± 8.53, trait anxiety was 40.66 ± 7.84, depression was 20.43 ± 9.22, and perceived stress was 27.68. ± 4.83. Our current study indicates that anxiety, depression, and salivary cortisol levels have a negative impact on the quality of life and mental and physical health of pregnant women.
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