The Healthy MOMs program provided women with opportunities to talk and support each other during and after pregnancy. Image credit: Edith Kieffer
ANN ARBOR-Latina women in a diabetes-prevention program show fewer signs of depression during pregnancy and in early postpartum, a University of Michigan study indicates. Untreated depression can negatively affect both mothers and children. Research indicates that sometimes minority women-when compared to their white counterparts-don't seek help for their depression. If their mother or other female friends are absent, women feel increasingly isolated and stressed, says Edith Kieffer, the study's lead author and a U-M associate professor of social work. They find it challenging to maintain healthy practices during and after pregnancy. About 275 pregnant Spanish-speaking Latinas participated in Healthy Mothers on the Move, a culturally and linguistically tailored clinical trial designed to reduce risk factors for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The Detroit-based program is led by community health workers.
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