Antenatal depressive symptoms in relation to a refined high-calorie dietary pattern: A comparative study

Psychological distress during pregnancy may be associated with dietary behavior; however, this relationship remains insufficiently explored. The aim of this study was to describe and compare antenatal depressive symptoms among women with a "prudent-moderate" dietary pattern and those with a "refined high-calorie" dietary pattern, as well as to identify factors associated with depression symptoms during pregnancy.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 464 pregnant women in Taiwan. Participants were categorized into two groups according to their dietary pattern: prudent-moderate dietary pattern (n = 217) and refined high-calorie dietary pattern (n = 247). Antenatal depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a cut-off score of 10 indicating depressive symptoms.

Antenatal depression symptoms were more prevalent in the refined high-calorie dietary pattern group (40.9%vs. 25.8%, p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that antenatal depression symptoms were positively associated with perceived family economic insufficiency and a refined high-calorie dietary pattern. Healthy eating behavior was inversely associated with depression symptoms. After adjustment for covariates, women with a refined high-calorie dietary pattern had higher odds of exhibiting antenatal depression symptoms (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.22-2.74).

Midwifery care may provide an important opportunity to identify pregnant women with depression symptoms, particularly those with a distinct high-calorie dietary pattern. Dietary pattern analysis via a non-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire may offer a feasible approach for antenatal clinicians to identify diet-related risks and support woman-centered nutritional and mental health care during pregnancy.