Members of the P3 Cohort research team have recently published new findings that deepen our understanding of family engagement in pregnancy research and the factors influencing mental health during pregnancy.

Impact of Couple VS Individual Participation in Pregnancy Research: A Comparative Analysis of Participant Characteristics and Study Retention (2025)

One recent study, published in Annals of Epidemiology, examined the impact of partner participation in pregnancy research. The findings showed that when partners were invited to participate alongside pregnant individuals, participant retention through the first year postpartum was higher. Participants whose partners also took part in the study had a retention rate of 98.9%, compared to 97.1% among those whose partners did not participate. These results suggest that involving partners may strengthen long-term engagement in pregnancy research and support more comprehensive insights into family health and dynamics.

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The Impact of Relationship Factors on Antenatal Depression in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic (2024)

Another publication, published in Birth, explored how relationship factors influenced antenatal depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using baseline P3 Cohort data collected between 2021 and 2023, researchers found that 23% of participants reported antenatal depression. Relationship dissatisfaction, marital conflict, and lack of social support were important contributors; however, broader pandemic-related stressors—such as financial strain, isolation, and uncertainty—had an even greater impact. This study highlights the critical role of social and emotional support for pregnant individuals, particularly during periods of heightened stress.

Read more here.