Preventive Effects of Prenatal Folic Acid on Postpartum Depression

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the association of prenatal folic acid (PF) supplements on the onset of postpartum depression (PPD) in Chinese women. Of the 629 subjects, 540 were cases who took PF supplements and 89 were controls who did not take PF. Univariate analysis showed that maternal age and body mass index were the most significant risk factors for developing PPD. Threshold effect analysis showed that maternal age of more than 26 years was an independent determinant of PPD. Current findings with PF supplements are insufficient to attenuate the onset of PPD.