Anxiety, depression and social support across pregnancy in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage: A prospective study

Aim Women with a history of recurrent miscarriage are a vulnerable population. This study aimed to examine changes and relationships among anxiety, depression and social support across three trimesters of pregnancy in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. Methods A prospective, longitudinal study was employed. A convenience sample of 166 pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage completed the measures at their 6–12, 20–24 and 32–36 gestational weeks. Results The prevalence of anxiety at early, middle and late pregnancy was 47.6%, 36.1% and 32.5%, respectively, whereas that of depression was 38%, 34.3% and 31.3%, respectively. Social support scores increased from early pregnancy to middle pregnancy then remained in late pregnancy. There were correlations among anxiety, depression and social support across pregnancy. Conclusions Anxiety and depression were highly prevalent in pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage, especially in early pregnancy when the level of social support was the lowest. Social support is an essential buffer against anxiety and depression throughout the pregnancy. Summary statement What is already known about this topic? Recurrent miscarriage is a significant loss in women's lives, and subsequent pregnancy is full of uncertainty for them. Research on changes in incidence and prevalence of anxiety and depression in pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage is not available. What this paper adds? Anxiety and depression were highly prevalent and might harm pregnancy outcomes in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. The anxiety, depression and social support changed with the trimesters in pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. Early pregnancy was when women have the highest level of anxiety and depression with the lowest level of social support. The implications of this paper: Tracking anxiety and depression in pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage should be the routine of care as soon as possible. The trend of social support was not in line with that of anxiety or depression; research to develop evidence‐based interventions should enhance the level of social support in early pregnancy in pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. Social support during pregnancy could help to buffer depression and anxiety. Health providers should deliver timely support to reduce the potential negative impact of depression and anxiety.