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The association between body mass index and postpartum depression: A population-based study
Michael E Silverman1, Lauren Smith1, Paul Lichtenstein2
1Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L, Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY, USA.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|August 5, 2018
Summary
Maternal body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy is linked to postpartum depression (PPD) risk. Both low and high BMI increase PPD risk, especially for women with a prior depression history.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Mental Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Postpartum depression (PPD) affects a significant percentage of new mothers, impacting prevention and intervention strategies.
- While links between extreme body mass index (BMI) and general depression are known, the specific association with PPD requires further understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and the risk of developing postpartum depression (PPD).
- To determine if a history of depression modifies the relationship between BMI and PPD risk.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study included all women with live singleton births in Sweden between 1997 and 2008.
- Relative risk (RR) for PPD was calculated based on first-trimester BMI and depression history.
- PPD diagnosis was confirmed through clinical records within the first year postpartum.
Main Results:
- Low BMI (<18.5) was associated with a 1.52-fold increased risk of PPD (RRadj=1.52).
- High BMI (>35) was associated with a 1.23-fold increased risk of PPD (RRadj=1.23).
- Women with a depression history and low BMI showed a 1.51-fold increased PPD risk (RRadj=1.51).
Conclusions:
- First-trimester BMI is a significant factor associated with postpartum depression risk.
- A history of depression further modifies PPD risk, particularly in conjunction with low BMI.
- Future research should explore mechanisms and interventions for PPD in women with extreme BMI or depression history.
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