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The Association Between Medically Assisted Reproduction and Postpartum Depression: A Register-Based Cohort Study
Sofie Egsgaard1,2, Mette Bliddal2,3, Line Riis Jølving4
1Research Unit of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
Summary
Women conceiving via medically assisted reproduction (MAR) had a lower risk of postpartum depression (PPD) compared to those conceiving spontaneously. This finding suggests psychological preparedness for parenthood may influence PPD risk in MAR users.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Mental Health
- Perinatal Psychiatry
Background:
- Medically assisted reproduction (MAR) use is increasing globally.
- The mental health outcomes for women undergoing MAR are varied.
- Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant concern following childbirth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between medically assisted reproduction (MAR) conception and the risk of postpartum depression (PPD).
- To compare PPD risk in mothers who conceived via MAR versus spontaneous conception.
Main Methods:
- A register-based study conducted in Denmark.
- Included 125,870 mothers with PPD screening records from 2015-2019.
- Linked national health registers to identify MAR conception and PPD (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥11).
Main Results:
- The study included 10,977 mothers with MAR conception and 114,893 with spontaneous conception.
- A lower risk of PPD was observed in mothers with MAR conception (aRR 0.87, 95% CI [0.80-0.93]).
- PPD risk showed minor variations based on MAR type, duration, and indication.
Conclusions:
- Mothers conceiving through MAR exhibited a reduced risk of PPD compared to those with spontaneous conception.
- The observed effect is likely due to psychological preparedness for parenthood in MAR-seeking women, not MAR itself.
- PPD risk among MAR users may be influenced by the specific treatment and reasons for seeking MAR.
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