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

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.