Association Between Birth-to-Birth Interval and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Takuma Yamada1, Shuhei Terada1,2, Takeshi Murakoshi1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan.
Summary
A long birth-to-birth interval (BIB) was linked to increased odds of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms. Women with a long BIB may need early psychosocial support.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Maternal Mental Health
- Perinatal Psychiatry
Background:
- The birth-to-birth interval (BIB) is the time between consecutive births.
- Maternal depressive symptoms postpartum are a significant public health concern.
- Understanding factors influencing postpartum depression is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the birth-to-birth interval (BIB) and maternal depressive symptoms at 1 month postpartum.
- To adjust for prior depressive symptoms and other pregnancy-related confounders.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 1144 multiparous women in Japan (2018-2024).
- BIB categorized as short (<24 months), reference (24-59 months), or long (≥60 months).
- Postpartum depressive symptoms assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥9 at 1 month postpartum. Multivariable logistic regression was employed.
Main Results:
- Long BIB (≥60 months) was associated with significantly higher odds of postpartum depressive symptoms (adjusted OR 5.56; 95% CI, 1.66-18.62).
- Short BIB (<24 months) was not significantly associated with postpartum depressive symptoms (adjusted OR 1.36; 95% CI, 0.76-2.42).
- 26.0% of participants had short BIBs and 2.7% had long BIBs.
Conclusions:
- A long birth-to-birth interval is an independent risk factor for postpartum depressive symptoms at 1 month.
- Women with a long BIB may benefit from prioritized early psychosocial support.
- Further research into the mechanisms linking long BIB and PPD is warranted.
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