Early intervention needed for antenatal anxiety among Chinese pregnant women

Antenatal anxiety (AA) is a condition characterized by excessive worry and fear, with higher prevalence in low- and middle- income countries. Although prior research has identified risk factors such as low economic status, lack of social support, and unplanned pregnancy, few studies have focused on the first trimester. A recent study published in General Psychiatry examined the prevalence and risk factors of AA among first-trimester pregnant women and identified risk factors for this stage.

Based on a retrospective analysis of perinatal mental health screening data from Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital between January 2020 and January 2024, this study included 42,013 pregnant women under 14 weeks of gestation after excluding those with major physical or mental disorders. All data were collected using self-designed questionnaires.

This study represents the first large-scale investigation focusing specifically on AA during the first trimester, identifying the prevalence and multiple risk factors across sociodemographic, obstetric, lifestyle, and family support dimensions. Specifically, among 42,013 first-trimester pregnant women, 2.54% experienced AA, with univariable and multivariable analyses identifying key risk factors including age under 25, temporary residency, lower education, economic hardship, primiparity, unplanned pregnancy, smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, poorer living conditions, lower marital satisfaction, and reluctance to share personal concerns.

“Among various risk factors, changing poor lifestyle habits is the simplest and most effective,” the authors noted, “Therefore, we recommend that pregnant women maintain healthy lifestyle habits, avoid smoking or drinking alcohol and engage in regular exercise.”

Overall, the findings underscore the importance of early anxiety screening and targeted support, particularly for young, primiparous, and socioeconomically vulnerable women, including temporary residents. Improving health education, promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening marital support, and fostering multisectoral collaboration among hospitals, communities, and families are essential to mitigate antenatal anxiety and improve maternal and child outcomes.