Maternal mental health and prenatal bonding amongst Indian women facing urban poverty: A follow up study

15-20% of women suffer from prenatal and postnatal clinical mental health disorders in low-income nations. There is however limited information on mothers’ mental health and associated factors such as prenatal bonding from developing nations. 70 women facing urban poverty in India were recruited during pregnancy and 49 were followed up 4-5 months post-birth. Data were collected on participants’ prenatal and postnatal anxiety, depression, stress, and prenatal bonding. Psychological health of women did not significantly improve or deteriorate from pregnancy to post-birth. Over 30% of the women experienced moderate to severe anxiety, depression, and stress. Greater prenatal bonding was related to better psychological health during pregnancy. The present study highlights the importance of building an emotional connection with the fetus during pregnancy, especially for women facing urban poverty. The results provide empirical information to both clinicians and educators regarding maternal well-being in developing nations.