BACKGROUND:
A pressing social issue in Japan is the rising incidence of maternal suicide and child abuse. In response, the government is actively promoting the development of seamless support systems within local communities.

OBJECTIVES:
This study compared the physical and mental health of primiparous and multiparous women from gestation through one month postpartum and explored strategies to support women during the child-rearing period.

METHODS:
This retrospective cohort study analyzed five years of health examination records (2019–2023) from a delivery center in the Tohoku region of Japan. Participants were 1,667 women (679 primiparous [40.7%] and 988 multiparous [59.3%]). Data were compared based on delivery history. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale of Japan (MIBS-J) were administered at 4 days, 2 weeks, and 1 month postpartum. This study was approved by the Sendai Seiyo Gakuin University Research Ethics Review Committee. There are no conflict of interest.

RESULTS:
Among the participants, 98 primiparous (14.4%) and 118 multiparous (11.9%) were underweight, while 66 primiparous (9.7%) and 151 multiparous (45.3%) were classified as obese (p = 0.007). Average weight gain was 10.5 ± 3.8 kg for primiparous and 9.7 ± 3.5 kg for multiparous women (p < 0.001), with approximately 30% of each group falling within the recommended range. In the second trimester, anemia was present in 210 primiparous (30.9%) and 402 multiparous (40.7%) (p < 0.001). Cesarean delivery occurred in 234 primiparous (34.5%) and 174 multiparous (17.6%) (p < 0.001). The EPDS and MIBS-J scores were higher among primiparous participants compared to multiparous, with both groups showing elevated scores on items related to parenting anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS:
This study revealed that many women return to their communities with ongoing physical and psychological challenges.

KEY MESSAGE:
Applying these findings in support initiatives may contribute to improved long-term health outcomes for both mothers and children. Poster session 4 (Group B)