The Role of Predictability of Delivery, and Stress and Anxiety Management in Satisfaction with Childbirth and Postpartum Depression

Abstract

In an online cross-sectional study of 371 Slovenian women,
depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Post-
partum Depression Scale, and satisfaction with childbirth – in-
cluding quality of care provision and stress and anxiety manage-
ment – was measured with the Birth Satisfaction Scale. The
prevalence of depression was 27.22% during pregnancy and
21.32% postpartum. Logistic regression identified significant
predictors: stress and anxiety management of childbirth (sig-
nificant in severe depression), a history of a depressive episode
and depressive symptoms during pregnancy. More predictable
deliveries were associated with higher satisfaction with childbirth.
Results emphasize the importance of routine depression
screening, support for stress and anxiety management, while
predictable deliveries increase satisfaction with childbirth.