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The effect of antenatal screening for depression on neonatal birthweight and gestation

Macarena A San Martin Porter1, Steve Kisely2, Kim S Betts3

  • 1Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Women and Birth : Journal of the Australian College of Midwives
|July 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Screening for antenatal depression is linked to improved neonatal outcomes, including reduced risks of preterm birth and low birth weight. This suggests universal screening may benefit maternal and infant health.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal mental health
  • Neonatal outcomes research
  • Public health screening programs

Background:

  • Antenatal depression is a known risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes like preterm birth and low birth weight.
  • Universal screening for perinatal depression is recommended to enhance maternal and pregnancy health.
  • The study investigates the potential benefits of screening for antenatal depressive symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the association between antenatal depression screening and neonatal outcomes.
  • To assess if screening for antenatal depressive symptoms impacts preterm birth and low birth weight risks.
  • To evaluate the hypothesis that screening may reduce the incidence of preterm birth and low birth weight.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of state-wide health administrative data from Queensland, Australia.
  • Inclusion criteria: pregnant women giving birth to a singleton in the latter half of 2015 (n=29,543).
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale screening and outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight) in 27,817 women.

Main Results:

  • Women who did not complete antenatal depression screening had significantly higher odds of preterm birth (AOR 1.56) and low birth weight (AOR 1.48) compared to those who completed screening.
  • These associations remained significant after adjusting for relevant confounders.
  • Sensitivity analyses in specific subgroups (spontaneous labor, no depression diagnosis) yielded similar results, reinforcing the findings.

Conclusions:

  • An association was observed between antenatal depression screening and improved neonatal outcomes.
  • While causality cannot be inferred, the findings suggest a potential benefit of screening.
  • The results support the consideration of universal antenatal depression screening to potentially improve perinatal health.
Abstract

Keywords:
AntenatalEPDSEdinburgh postnatal depression scaleLBWLow birth weightPTBPregnancyPremature birthPreterm

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