Maternal health after the birth of a medically complex infant: setting the context for evaluation of co-occupational performance. Am J Occup Ther 2010;64(4):642-9
Date
09/10/2010Pubmed ID
20825136DOI
10.5014/ajot.2010.08160Scopus ID
2-s2.0-77955810474 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 3 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVE: Physical and psychological health indicators of mothers who gave birth to medically complex infants were examined to explore potential risk factors for the development of chronic conditions and to develop a scholarly base that supports the inclusion of maternal health in the scope of early intervention practice.
METHOD: Ten mothers completed the Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire and the State Trait Anxiety Form Y-1. Nine women completed 24-h Holter recording. Frequency of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety were determined. High frequency heart rate variability was examined for indicators of autonomic dysregulation.
RESULTS: Nine of 10 women reported symptoms associated with PTSD, and 2 of these women reported more severe symptoms. Two women demonstrated indicators of autonomic dysregulation.
CONCLUSION: Further research examining psychological and physical characteristics in mothers of infants at high risk is important to determine whether these women are at greater risk for chronic health conditions.
Author List
Pizur-Barnekow KAuthor
Kris Barnekow PhD Associate Professor in the Occupational Science and Technology department at University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAnxiety
Arrhythmias, Cardiac
Disabled Children
Electrocardiography, Ambulatory
Female
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Newborn, Diseases
Mothers
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Young Adult
