NCT06807801 Baby Swim As an Intervention for Depressive Symptoms and Lacking Attachment During the Postpartum Period
| NCT ID | NCT06807801 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Uppsala University |
| Condition | Depression - Major Depressive Disorder |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 100 participants |
| Start Date | 2024-02-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-09-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 100 participants in total. It began in 2024-02-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-09-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Mental health issues are very common during and after pregnancy, and studies from around the world indicate that 10-15% of all pregnant and postpartum women experience depression. Risk factors for developing depression include a history of depression, low levels of social support, and stressful life events. The symptoms are the same as for depression during other periods of life, but often include feelings of inadequacy regarding motherhood, along with associated feelings of shame or guilt. Obsessive thoughts directed toward the baby may also be part of the symptomatology. Such thoughts are typically experienced as frightening by the mother but, in the vast majority of cases, do not pose any risk to the child. Maternal depression can also affect a mother's ability to bond with her baby, and difficulties in forming an attachment can, in turn, increase and perpetuate depressive symptoms. In the long term, insecure attachment between mother and child can lead to behavioral problems in the child, such as aggression and avoidance, anxiety and depression in adolescence, negative effects on cognitive development, and trust issues in close relationships. Baby swimming is a structured form of interaction that takes place in 34-degree Celsius water in a calm environment, aiming to teach the baby vital skills while stimulating social, intellectual, and motor development. At least one parent actively participates and is encouraged to perform various exercises. These activities strengthen the bond between the baby and the parent and contribute to making time in the water a safe and enjoyable experience. Previous studies have shown that baby swimming can improve attachment between parent and child. In the present project, the aim is to investigate whether baby swimming can be used as an intervention for depressive symptoms in new mothers and whether this intervention can reduce depressive symptoms while also strengthening the bond between mother and child.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Women who have * given birth at full term * are 18 years or older * have a baby aged 3-7 months at the time of inclusion * exhibit depressive symptoms according to the EPDS scale. Exclusion Criteria: * Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets) * Known psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder * Inability to communicate adequately in Swedish or English, or inability to read and complete digital questionnaires in Swedish or English.
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06807801 clinical trial?
This trial is open to female participants only, aged 18 Years or older, studying Depression - Major Depressive Disorder. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06807801 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06807801 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at alkistis.skalkidou@kbh.uu.se for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06807801 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Uppsala, Sweden.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06807801 clinical trial?
NCT06807801 is sponsored by Uppsala University. The trial plans to enroll 100 participants.
Related Trials
Related Intelligence Guides
In-depth guides covering this condition's trials, eligibility, and what to expect.