Child abuse prevention policies and problematic pregnant women: Cases in obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Japan

Objective: From 2011, several obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Japan began to identify particular problematic pregnant women to prevent future child abuse even before childbirth. This study defines the characteristics of... [ view full abstract ]

Objective:
From 2011, several obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Japan began to identify particular problematic pregnant women to prevent future child abuse even before childbirth. This study defines the characteristics of this class of pregnant women and how they are supported by the clinics in Japan to decrease the incidences of child abuse.

Methods:
The participants were 313 mothers who gave birth from April 2015 to October 2015 when screening commenced. Based on the analysis of their attribution, the following two factors were checked: gestation and puerperal periods, and the environment of breastfeeding. Consequently, the pregnant women who might become perpetrators of child abuse were specified. The data was collected from the outpatient records. The questionnaire survey was conducted with the pregnant women who agreed to participate in this study.

Result:
Marital status and postnatal depression or EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) value influenced whether the mothers were specified as problematic. Also, natural childbirth or C-section, abortion, and remarriage were found to be common factors seen in problematic pregnant women. However, some mothers who were not identified as problematic were considered to need care from local communities. Those who needed support or care said that they had no other mentors and were distressed. Their uneasiness had already begun during their pregnancy.

Discussion:
Those who have psychological and social problems could improve their situations by keeping touch with parental care experts of their community. Further research has to be made to identify the mothers who need support after childbirth.

Conclusion:
The study results found that unfavorable marital status and high EPDS score are common among problematic mothers in Japan. Also, some mothers who are not identified as problematic need support after childbirth.