Evaluating Antenatal Depression in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Hospital-based Observational Study

Antenatal depression is a significant but often overlooked complication of pregnancy, particularly in women with metabolic comorbidities such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of antenatal depression and its association with GDM and other risk factors among pregnant women in eastern India.

A cross-sectional and observational study was conducted among 360 pregnant women attending two tertiary care hospitals. Data on sociodemographic and obstetric variables were collected through structured interviews. Depression was screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a score of ≥ 12 indicating depression. Statistical analysis included Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

The overall prevalence of antenatal depression was 27.5%. Depression was significantly more common in women with lower education (≤10th standard), rural residence, joint family setting, unplanned pregnancies, and irregular sleep patterns (P < 0.05 for all). Obstetric factors such as multigravidity, past abortion, and both history and current diagnosis of GDM were significantly associated with higher depression rates. Women with GDM had significantly higher mean EPDS scores (11.63 ± 4.1) and nearly double the prevalence of depression compared to non-GDM women (37.2% vs. 18.9%, P < 0.001).

GDM significantly increases the risk of antenatal depression. Integrated antenatal care models should incorporate routine screening for depression, especially in women with metabolic or obstetric risk factors, to improve the maternal and fetal outcomes.