Mother-Infant Wellness Lab

Anxiety disorders are the most common of all psychiatric conditions, affecting close to 30% of the adult population at some point in their life. They are much more common among women than men, and there is reason to believe that pregnancy and the postpartum period may be a time of increased risk for the development of some types of anxiety problems. Despite this, very little research has focused on anxiety disorders affecting pregnant and postpartum women.

To address this gap, our research focuses on feelings of anxiety and anxiety disorders experienced by women during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Some of the questions we are interested in include:

• How common are anxiety disorders among pregnant and postpartum women?
• Which types of anxiety problems are most common among these groups of women?
• Are anxiety problems more common among women experiencing medically high risk pregnancies?
• How are thoughts of harm about one’s newborn related to postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder?

We hope that our research will lead to better care, and improved emotional health and well-being, for pregnant women and new mothers.
Take a look at our research to learn more about the specific studies we are currently conducting. 

The work in our lab is made possible through the contributions of the women who participate in our research, the support of various funding agencies, and an enthusiastic group of researchers.