The importance of depression during pregnancy

Today, the high prevalence of depression is one of the major health problems of pregnant women. This study aimed to assess the relationship between antenatal depression, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.

This cohort study involved 394 pregnant women referred to the prenatal care clinic at the Al- Zahra Hospital, affiliated to Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. We used a convenient method for sampling. We collected data using questionnaires on demographic and obstetric characteristics, the CES-D scale for depression evaluation and a checklist for recording pregnancy outcomes.

According to the results, preeclampsia, premature membrane rupture, preterm delivery, cesarean section, intrauterine fetal death, and intrauterine fetal growth restriction were higher among mothers with depression during their pregnancies, compared to those who did not have depression. In addition, the mean birth weights of depressed mothers' infants were lower than the infants of mothers who did not have depression.

Results from the present study showed that depression during pregnancy is associated with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Healthcare planners and mental health counselors should regard screening mothers with risk of depression and following them up and, in the necessary cases, referring to psychiatrists.