A strong and supportive relationship with a partner may be the most important element in keeping expectant mothers from becoming stressed, finds a new study published in BMC Public Health.
Researchers in Norway surveyed almost 50,000 expectant mothers on their relationships, work and family, as well as illness, alcohol use and smoking habits.
They found that the support received from a relationship was the most important factor in determining mental health. Those who were not happy in their relationship were also the most likely to suffer from depression.
The researchers found that poor health, alcohol abuse or problems at work could also be linked to lower mental health during pregnancy, but that a strong relationship could negate many day-to-day sources of stress and help women cope with larger stresses such as moving, illness, financial troubles, or problems at work.
"Failure to recognize and treat emotional distress during pregnancy stores up problems for both mother and child, and impacts continuing family welfare. It is important that antenatal courses should include relationship classes and that close attention should be paid to women who lack the support of a good relationship," said Gun-Mette Røsand from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.