New research has underscored the damage that negative relationships can have on pregnant and postpartum women. Specifically, it puts them at a greater risk of suffering from symptoms of depression, developing long-term illnesses, and even maternal fatality.

According to Medical Xpress, researchers from Rice University, Ohio State University, and the University of California, Irvine, joined forces to explore the effects of toxic relationships on women who recently gave birth. They specifically looked at the impact of relationships on women in their third trimesters as well as 1-year postpartum. The findings are being published in the July 2021 edition of Psych Neuroendocrinology.

RELATED: Sleepless Nights Can Age New Moms By 7 Years, Says Study

The researchers used a variety of tools and mechanisms to collect data. In order to measure the negative aspects of the participants’ relationships, the researchers used the Positive and Negative Quality in Marriage Scale (PANQUIMS). This test is specifically used to evaluate marital quality. They also relied on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, which is a self-reporting mechanism with 20 questions used to evaluate mental health. Finally, they measured heart rate variability (the interval between heartbeats) through regular check-ups.

Although heart rate variability (HRV) naturally drops during pregnancy, the researchers discovered that women who reported having negative relationships with their partners were more likely to have consistently low HRV during and after pregnancy. They were also at a greater risk of suffering from symptoms of depression. Low HRV has been linked to a variety of physical and mental health problems.

Ryan Linn Brown, a Rice University graduate student who worked on the study, explained that high HRV means the body is capable of dealing with stressors, Hindustan Times notes. However, low HRV signals the opposite, meaning the body is incapable of dealing with high stress, which can manifest itself in various ways, including symptoms of depression.

The researchers emphasized that the study’s findings appear to demonstrate a connection between relationship quality and the likelihood of postpartum depression in new mothers, which has important, long-term consequences for both maternal and infant health. The researchers hope the results will lead to an increase in mental health interventions in new mothers to prioritize their overall health during pregnancy and beyond.

According to WebMD, 1 in 10 women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. It’s characterized by a host of symptoms such as:

  • Exhaustion
  • Poor libido
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Changes in appetite
  • Mood changes, irritability

If you believed you may be suffering from postpartum depression or if your mental health is not in a good place, we encourage you to speak to your healthcare provider, who can offer resources and options to help you through this difficult time.

NEXT: Moms With Depression Have Harder Time Bonding With Baby, Per Study

Sources: Medical Xpress, Hindustan Times, WebMD