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Obesity, antenatal depression, diet and gestational weight gain in a population cohort study

Emma Molyneaux1, Lucilla Poston2, Mizanur Khondoker3

  • 1Section of Women's Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, PO31 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK. emma.molyneaux@kcl.ac.uk.

Archives of Women'S Mental Health
|May 15, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Higher pre-pregnancy BMI is linked to increased antenatal depression in pregnant women. This study found a dose-response relationship, highlighting the need for awareness among healthcare professionals regarding BMI and maternal mental health.

Area of Science:

  • Maternal Health
  • Obstetrics
  • Mental Health Research

Background:

  • High pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) is a growing concern in maternal health.
  • Antenatal depression affects a significant proportion of pregnant individuals.
  • Understanding the interplay between pre-pregnancy BMI and antenatal mental well-being is crucial for effective prenatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between elevated pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI) and the prevalence of antenatal depression.
  • To determine if pre-pregnancy BMI and antenatal depression interact to influence maternal diet and gestational weight gain (GWG).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), excluding underweight women.
  • Assessed pre-pregnancy BMI via self-report and antenatal depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS > 12) at 18 and 32 weeks' gestation.
  • Analyzed dietary patterns and categorized gestational weight gain (GWG) according to established guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Obese women exhibited significantly higher odds of antenatal depression compared to normal-weight controls (aOR 1.39).
  • Each unit increase in pre-pregnancy BMI correlated with a 3% rise in the odds of antenatal depression (aOR 1.03).
  • No significant associations were found between antenatal depression and dietary patterns or gestational weight gain, nor was there evidence of an interaction between BMI and depression on these outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • A clear dose-response relationship exists between higher pre-pregnancy BMI and antenatal depression.
  • Healthcare providers should recognize and address the heightened risk of antenatal depression associated with elevated pre-pregnancy BMI.
  • Further research may explore underlying mechanisms linking BMI and antenatal depression beyond diet and GWG.
Abstract

Keywords:
ALSPACDepressionDietObesityPregnancy

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