Tests baby swimming for depression in new mothers and bonding with baby
Tests baby swimming to see if it eases depression and bonding in new mothers.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Baby Swim As an Intervention for Depressive Symptoms and Lacking Attachment During the Postpartum Period
Key facts
- Where
- Uppsala, SwedenSee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for mothers aged 18 or older who gave birth at full term and have a baby aged 3-7 months. They must show signs of depression on the EPDS scale.
- Age
- 18 years or older
- Sex
- Women only
- Disease stage
- Depressive symptoms according to the EPDS scale, in the months after a full-term birth
Main reasons for not taking part
- Twin or triplet pregnancy
- Known psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder
- Cannot communicate adequately in Swedish or English
- Cannot read and complete digital questionnaires in Swedish or English
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
Where in Sweden
- Uppsala UniversityUppsala, SwedenTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Uppsala University
- Trial code
- NCT06807801
- Record updated
- 4 February 2025
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
BIDAP - Baby Swim As an Intervention for Depressive Symptoms and Lacking Attachment During the Postpartum Period
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.
Inclusion: 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: Known psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder; Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets); Inability to communicate adequately in Swedish or English, or inability to read and complete digital questionnaires in Swedish or English.