Association between prenatal depressive symptoms and receipt of recommended maternal and infant care postpartum

Maternal mental health can impact health care access and utilization for both the birthing parent and infant. We examined the association between prenatal depressive symptoms (episodic and chronic) and receipt of the postpartum 6-week visit and infant vaccinations in the first year postpartum.

Postpartum individuals (N = 672) who attended Expect With Me group prenatal care in Nashville, Tennessee and Detroit, Michigan completed surveys during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as well as 6- and 12- months postpartum. We conducted multiple logistic regression to examine associations between prenatal depressive symptoms and attendance at the six-week postpartum check-up, and infant receipt of recommended vaccinations by 12 months, controlling for potential confounders.

During pregnancy, 17.0 % of individuals experienced episodic depression, and 6.4 % experienced chronic depression. Individuals with chronic prenatal depression were less likely to receive their six-week postpartum check-up compared to those without chronic prenatal depression (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 0.55; 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.31, 0.99). No significant association was found for patients with episodic or chronic prenatal depression and the likelihood of infants receiving all recommended vaccines by 12 months old.

Chronic prenatal depression was associated with not receiving recommended six-week postpartum healthcare, which is essential to detect postpartum complications and address family planning. We did not observe impacts of maternal depression on infant receipt of vaccines. Maternal mental health intervention is warranted to ensure birthing parents receive the necessary support and treatment for overall well-being.