First Place in Category #3 – Nursing Prenatal & Pediatrics

STUDENT: Maria Knutelski

PROJECT ADVISOR: Michael M. Evans

ABSTRACT

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious complication of pregnancy that is often times not properly diagnosed. If this disease is not treated, it can lead to a multitude of health problems for the mother and child. It can be hard to diagnose because PPD affects each mother differently. Early recognition can help to prevent serious adverse effects and make the symptoms of PPD more manageable. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the incidence of PPD in preterm births and compare the results to the prevalence of PPD in full-term births. The databases used in this review were CINHL and Penn State University Libraries. The keywords that were applied include postpartum depression, preterm birth, and mental health. A total of four articles were utilized. Two were systematic reviews, one was a randomized control trial (RCT), and one was a cohort study. Research shows that preterm birth is a stressor that can contribute to the severity of PPD. With proper education, diagnostic tools, and screening tests, the risk of PPD can be reduced.