30 Dec 2025 • New findings found a connection between maternal perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) symptoms and poor parent-reported infant health and developmental outcomes at 1 year.

Infants of mothers with PMAD symptoms had more than double the odds of being rated in mediocre or poor overall health versus those whose mothers reported no symptoms (9.4% vs 4.3%; aOR 2.1). They were also significantly more likely to have at least one growth or developmental concern (19.2% vs 13.0%; aOR 1.7). Associations were strongest when PMAD symptoms persisted into the late postpartum period (12–14 months), rather than being confined to early postpartum months. Anxiety symptoms showed stronger links than depressive symptoms alone.

The findings underscore the importance of ongoing postpartum mental health screening and support, with potential implications for early identification of infants at risk.

Source: BMJ | Read full story