Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and developmental outcomes in toddlers: a scoping review

Perinatal psychological well-being plays a crucial role in the early stages of child development. Understanding the relationship between maternal mental health and the multifaceted nature of child development represents a critical focal point for early intervention. This study aims to map the current body of research on the association between perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and developmental delays in toddlers. This scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR checklist and the Population-Concept-Context (PCC) framework. The electronic databases searched included PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Research Rabbit, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria comprised original research articles published between 2013 and 2023 that addressed perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, involved pregnant women or parents of children aged 0–5 years, and utilized cohort, cross-sectional, or quasi-experimental designs. A total of 16 articles met the inclusion criteria, providing insights from both developed and developing countries. The analysis revealed a consistent association between perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and developmental delays in toddlers. Key findings included various dimensions of PMADs (e.g., symptomatology, severity and timing of exposure, risk factors, significant life events, and social support) as well as the nature of developmental delays (e.g., parental risk factors and specific domains of delay). These findings underscore the importance of early screening and the implementation of targeted interventions during pregnancy and the postpartum period.