1. Introduction
obesity, depression, anxiety, diabetes
OBESITY, PREGNANCY-INDUCED HYPERTENSION, SECONDARY, COMPLICATIONS, DIABETES
Mental health problems and obesity are two common complications during pregnancy and postpartum. The preconception period is considered an appropriate period for prevention. Therefore, insights into interpregnancy mental health and the impact on weight and body composition are of interest to developing effective weight management strategies. The primary aim of this study is to assess the difference in women’s mental health during the interpregnancy period and the association with pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and body composition. The secondary aim is to study whether this association is affected by socio-demographic factors, interpregnancy interval and sleep. The study is a secondary analysis of the INTER-ACT e-health-supported lifestyle trial. Women were eligible if they had a subsequent pregnancy and mental health measurements at 6 weeks after childbirth and at the start of the next pregnancy (In high-income countries, it is estimated that 1 in 10 mothers experience perinatal mental health problems [Negative maternal mental health is associated with women’s weight, body composition and sleep. Women with excessive GWG reported higher levels of maternal anxiety 2 days after childbirth compared to women with adequate GWG [Prenatal lifestyle interventions focusing on diet and physical activity showed a positive impact on reducing GWG; however, the effect on the reduction in perinatal complications (e.g., diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension) is limited [The interpregnancy period, which starts after childbirth and ends at the start of the next pregnancy, is an opportune time to address maternal mental health problems, as a history of depression and anxiety is a significant risk factor for postpartum depression [To the best of our knowledge, no studies have investigated the changes in mental health during the interpregnancy period in women with excessive GWG. Insight into the changes in interpregnancy mental health and the impact on weight and body composition can assist in the development of effective and timely weight management strategies in women at risk. The primary aim of this study is to assess the difference in mental health between 6 weeks after childbirth and the start of the next pregnancy and investigate its association with pre-pregnancy weight and body composition. The secondary aim is to study whether this association is affected by socio-demographic factors, interpregnancy interval and sleep.