Perinatal Predictors of Postpartum Depression: Results of a Retrospective Comparative Study.

Jolanta Banasiewicz,Kornelia Zaręba,Grzegorz Jakiel,Stanisław Wójtowicz,Małgorzata Bińkowska,Hanna Rozenek

doi:10.3390/jcm9092952

Abstract

Postpartum mood disorders occur in a considerable number of women with the most common postpartum disorder being baby blues. The study aimed at the identification of the risk factors present before delivery, which may be comprised in prophylactic programs concerning postpartum mood disorders. The research material includes data retrieved from the medical record of patients delivering in Warsaw in the years 2010–2017 who routinely completed Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) after delivery. Data of 604 patients were analyzed. The study group included 75 women who obtained at least 12 points in EPDS, which constituted 12.4% of the whole group (mean = 14.92, SD = 3.05). The control group was made up of 75 women who obtained no more than 5 points in EPDS. A significant correlation was reported between the parity and their order vs. the risk of developing postpartum mood disorders. Women with an increased risk delivered at about 37 gestational weeks, while women in whom the risk of such disorders was low delivered at about 39 gestational weeks. No increased risk was noted in women with premature rupture of membranes. Primigravidas and women who delivered prematurely were the most predisposed to developing postpartum depression and should undergo screening tests in the perinatal period.

Highlights

The interest of researchers regarding mental disorders occurring in women in labor mostly focused on issues associated with postpartum depression
We attempted to identify risk factors present before delivery, which may be comprised in prophylactic programs concerning postpartum mood disorders
A study conducted in China showed that exposure to cellular phones during pregnancy, maternal age and the gestational age at which the pregnancy was completed were positively correlated with postpartum depression [26]

Summary

Introduction

The interest of researchers regarding mental disorders occurring in women in labor mostly focused on issues associated with postpartum depression. Statistical data analysis showed that baby blues was the most common disorder affecting women after delivery [1]. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, issued by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), such a phenomenon was referred to as adjustment reaction with depressed mood [2,3]. Baby blues most commonly occurs in developed countries (55–85%). Over 20% of women may develop postpartum depression [4,5]. Baby blues constitutes a prelude to subsequent more severe psychiatric conditions, so it is of utmost importance to introduce early diagnostics and distinguish the group at risk

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Discussion

Conclusion