Edinburgh Napier University

  Maternal distress varies in prevalence rates and displays various complaints, signs and symptoms. Additionally, multiple factors and causes contribute to both women’s vulnerability and manifestation of maternal distress. Worldwide maternal distress prevalence rates are up to 41% and the evidence of short and long-term adverse consequences of maternal distress indicate that preventive strategies are required. Maternal distress unchains a negative spiral of disturbed health and thus has a profound effect on public health. Evidence on the effectiveness and utility of selective and indicative preventive strategies for maternal distress shows that women’s individual predisposing factors and responses to maternal distress vary and individualization of findings from index or screening measures is required.