Fear of childbirth mediates the relationship between premenstrual syndrome and postpartum depression in Chinese postpartum women: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Based on psychological stress theory, this study suggests continuity of emotional vulnerability of reproductive system stress responses across the perinatal period in mental health. The findings highlight the preventive value of targeting PMS to mitigate PPD, offering new insights for developing psychological interventions based on menstrual cycle management. Comprehensive nursing interventions span the entire perinatal period, including pre-pregnancy psychological counseling to alleviate negative emotions, optimizing childbirth experiences to reduce fear, and enhancing postpartum social support to improve maternal mental health, thereby effectively preventing and alleviating PPD.