Actively Recruiting
Maternal Expectations on Labor Analgesia and Risk of Postpartum Depression: An Observational Study
Led by University of Padova · Updated on 2026-04-29
3640
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
21 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Postpartum Depression (PPD) affects 15% to 20% of women within the first year after childbirth and can cause symptoms like low mood, anxiety, and insomnia, with potential long-term impacts on mother and child. This observational study evaluates whether meeting a mother's expectations about labor pain relief affects the risk of developing PPD. The research is sponsored by the University of Padova and focuses on understanding the relationship between labor analgesia expectations and postpartum mental health. Participants are grouped based on whether their prenatal expectations of labor analgesia matched the actual pain relief received. The interventions studied include epidural analgesia administered via catheter using local anesthetics with or without opioids upon request during labor, single-shot spinal analgesia, or no neuraxial analgesia at all. The study compares outcomes between those whose expectations were met and those whose were not. Women who plan a vaginal delivery will be followed to assess depressive symptoms shortly after birth and up to six months postpartum. Data collection includes measuring the incidence of postpartum depression six months after labor, early signs of depression within 24 to 48 hours after delivery, pain intensity at birth, and the effect of analgesia in those whose expectations were unmet. The study involves informed consent, monitoring, and questionnaires to evaluate psychological outcomes over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Maternal Expectations on Labor Analgesia and Risk of Postpartum Depression: An Observational Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Signed informed consent
- Planned vaginal delivery (spontaneous or induced)
- Pregnant women
- Age over 18 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Allergy to local anesthetics
- Language barrier
- Contraindications to labor analgesia
- Delivery by Cesarean section
- Known history of psychiatric disorders including major depression
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - At delivery/birth
Participants are observed during labor and delivery, including whether they receive epidural analgesia, spinal analgesia, or no neuraxial analgesia, to evaluate their labor analgesia expectations and experiences.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 6 months after labor
Participants are followed to assess early depressive symptoms shortly after delivery and incidence of postpartum depression up to six months after labor.
Follow-up visits at 24 to 48 hours after labor and at 6 months postpartum
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University Hospital of Padova
Padova, Veneto, Italy, 35127
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Fabrizia Calabrese, MD
G
Giulia Faccioli, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here