According to a recent study conducted by Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) in collaboration with the Riga Maternity Hospital (RDzN), approximately 18% of new mothers in Latvia experience postpartum depression. This rate is significantly higher than the European average. For comparison, Western Europe reports a 12.9% prevalence, while Eastern Europe’s rate stands at 16.6%.
The study, carried out over a one-year period, involved all women who attended follow-up gynecological visits at RDzN’s Outpatient Department between the fourth and sixth week after childbirth. Participants were screened for depressive symptoms using validated assessment tools to measure the presence and severity of postpartum depression.
Clinically Significant Symptoms Among New Mothers
Researchers discovered that at least 40% of participants exhibited depressive symptoms reaching a clinically significant level. Alarmingly, about 30% of women who initially showed signs of depression or anxiety either declined further consultation or were unreachable for additional psychiatric assessment. This gap highlights the challenges in ensuring continuous mental health support for new mothers during the postpartum period.
Identified Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression
The study identified several major risk factors contributing to postpartum depression. Women who experienced complications during childbirth or suffered from sleep disturbances afterwards were found to be at a higher risk. The research also pointed to pre-existing mental health disorders, high stress levels during pregnancy, and insufficient emotional support from partners or family as key contributors.
Additional factors include low maternal confidence, dissatisfaction with childbirth and postnatal care, lack of recognition of the mother’s role within the family, and delivering a baby with low birth weight (below 2.5 kilograms). These elements, when combined, significantly increase the likelihood of postpartum depression developing in the early weeks after birth.
Protective Factors and the Importance of Support
While the study highlighted numerous risk factors, it also emphasized strong protective measures. One of the most effective protective factors identified was the availability of practical and emotional support from partners or family members during pregnancy and after delivery. The researchers noted that consistent family involvement plays a crucial role in preventing or reducing postpartum depressive symptoms.
Interestingly, some factors found in the Latvian population differ from those in other European studies. For example, maternal age and whether it was the mother’s first pregnancy appeared to play a distinct role in determining risk levels. These Latvia-specific factors underscore the need for culturally and contextually adapted care approaches.
Developing Better Screening and Care Models
The RSU-led study not only determined the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression in Latvia but also adapted two important screening tools to the local context — the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Both tools have been validated and will soon be made publicly available for use by healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public.
The research team also collected valuable feedback from participating women regarding a proposed new care model. This model aims to improve early detection, follow-up care, and access to psychological support for mothers at risk of depression.
Next Steps and Policy Implications
The detailed results of the study are set to be presented to the Ministry of Health, as well as to professional associations of family doctors, mental health specialists, and members of the academic community. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the broader public will also be engaged in discussions to raise awareness and promote evidence-based maternal care practices.
By strengthening cooperation between medical professionals, policymakers, and community organizations, Latvia aims to improve maternal mental health outcomes and ensure that no mother faces postpartum depression without timely and compassionate support. The upcoming scientific publications based on this study are expected to contribute valuable insights to the global understanding of postpartum depression and its prevention.
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