Antenatal Health Questionnaire to Identify “Mothers with Emotional Disturbances” as a Potential Risk Group

Abstract

An important task in antenatal care is to identify mothers at risk during pregnancy, with the aim of minimizing morbidity and mortality. This paper describes the outcome of a health questionnaire distributed antenatally to 2086 primigravidae during the Tayside Infant Morbidity and Mortality Study 1980-81. The aim of this study was to test a health questionnaire, known to identify mothers with emotional disturbances, and investigate the outcome of their pregnancies. Two hundred and thirty-eight mothers (11.4%) had a 'positive' score in this study. This rather small group of women had a significantly higher incidence of psycho-social risk factors. The questionnaire return rate was high, more than 99%, suggesting that such a questionnaire could be used as a screening instrument to identify 'risk mothers'.

Mothering Problems and Child Morbidity Amongst “Mothers with Emotional Disturbances”

“…The present paper analyses obstetric complications, mothering problems and child morbidity among these emotionally vulnerable mothers. in a previous paper (2).…”

“…Those 'high scorers' who bottle fed ("hble V) had a higher number of change-of-brand during the first 4 months, more feeding problems, and commenced giving solids earlier. We also know that smoking (7), unplanned pregnancy and low social class (11) all influence the duration of breast feeding-all risk factors among 'high scorers' (2). The most common reasons for giving up breast feeding are inadequate milk supply, and breast problems, the former usually producing maternal anxiety about not nourishing her baby adequately (12).…”