New Research from Uppsala University: The Body’s Signals During Pregnancy Could Help Predict Mental Health Risks After Birth
Allison Eriksson, PhD candidate, with opponent Clare McCormack at her public defense at Uppsala University. Photo: Kristina Lundgren
Postpartum depression and anxiety affect up to one in five new mothers. Yet, today’s risk assessments rely almost entirely on self-reported symptoms. New research from Uppsala University suggests that the body’s own signals during pregnancy may offer valuable clues about who is most at risk.
The Body as a Predictor
In her doctoral thesis at the Faculty of Medicine, Allison Eriksson explored whether physiological reactions can help forecast the likelihood of depression and anxiety after childbirth. Her research focused on three key measures:
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV) – the variation in heartbeats
- Sensorimotor Gating (PPI) – the brain’s ability to filter out irrelevant information
- Pupil Dilation (PD) – how the pupil responds to light and stimuli
The study analysed data from two Swedish research projects involving more than 200 pregnant women.
A Complement to Current Screening
“Self-assessment questionnaires work well for many, but they often miss women who don’t notice or report symptoms during pregnancy,” says Allison Eriksson. Physiological measures, she argues, can provide a more objective picture of stress system functioning and uncover hidden vulnerabilities.
Promising Early Findings
Results show that certain physiological markers – especially HRV and PPI – can improve predictions of postpartum depression, particularly among women who showed no signs of mental health issues during pregnancy. Pupil dilation revealed distinct patterns for depression and anxiety but did not significantly enhance prediction models.
“I believe HRV is especially relevant and practical in maternal care,” Eriksson explains. “It’s an example of how new technology can enable non-invasive methods that give a more objective view of mental vulnerability. Larger studies could pave the way for future decision-making tools in maternity care.”
Looking Ahead: Technology and Ethics
The thesis also highlights the potential of wearable technology to measure HRV and pupil responses in everyday settings – integrating these tools into maternity care. Ethical considerations remain crucial: women must be informed, offered choices, and provided with support if risk is identified.
The Study Within WOMHER
The research was carried out within the WOMHER graduate school, where 16 PhD students from different disciplines conduct research on women’s mental health. Some have already completed their theses, while others are still working on theirs.
Text: Johanna Schuster
Principal supervisor Emma Fransson, doctoral student Allison Eriksson, and WOMHER Director Emma Hovén. Photo: Kristina Lundgren
Publication/dissertation
About WOMHER – Uppsala University’s Center for Women’s Mental Health
WOMHER is an interdisciplinary research center that strengthens women's mental health as a multifaceted, structural, and interdisciplinary challenge by:
- Increasing knowledge about women's mental health
- Promoting and leading high-quality and high-impact research
- Undertaking professional development and education tailored to different stakeholders
- Fostering local, national and international collaborations