Prematurity, temperament, physical wellbeing and maternal mental health in a low-income sample.

Preterm birth (i.e., before 37-week gestation) is a global health concern, with most prematurity occurring between 32 - 36.6 weeks gestation, yet research has primarily focused on extreme prematurity (i.e., before 32-weeks gestation). As such, less is known about the developmental and psychological outcomes associated with moderate-to-late preterm birth. This study examines how infant temperament and infant physical wellbeing are associated with maternal mental health, and whether moderate-late prematurity moderates these relationships in a low-income sample. Using a matched case-control design, we collected data from 100 low-income mothers of infants aged 12-18 months (50 preterm, 50 full-term), assessed maternal stress, anxiety, and depression, infant temperament (including anger and fear), and physical health indicators (e.g., colds, doctor visits, injuries). Infant anger was significantly associated with poorer maternal mental health regardless of prematurity. Infant fear and minor injuries were also associated with worse maternal mental health, but this effect was lessened among mothers of preterm infants, underscoring the differential experiences of mothers with premature infants. These findings highlight the potential value of the targeted supports often offered to mothers of preterm infants and suggest that extending such supports to all mothers, including those with full-term infants, may help improve maternal wellbeing across the perinatal population.