Depressive Symptoms In Pregnant Women Research Articles

The correlation between Toxoplasma gondii infection and prenatal depression in pregnant women.

Previous studies have demonstrated that latent toxoplasmosis is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. We evaluated the correlation between Toxoplasma gondii infection and prenatal depression. In this case-control study, we enrolled 116 depressed pregnant women and 244 healthy controls. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to evaluate the depression symptom severity in study participants. All participants were screened for the anti-Toxoplasma IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seroprevalence of T. gondii did not significantly differ between the depressed pregnant women and healthy controls (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 0.9-2.19; P = 0.142). T. gondii IgG titer was significantly higher in depressed women (18.6 ± 10.9 IUs) than those in the control group (13.6 ± 8.1 IUs) (z =-5.36, P < 0.001). The T. gondii-positive depressed women showed a positive correlation of T. gondii IgG titer with the EPDS scores (r = 0.52; P < 0.01). The mean EPDS score was also significantly higher in the T. gondii-positive depressed women (20.7 ± 2.7) compared with the controls (18.36 ± 2.7) (P < 0.001). The results obtained from the current study revealed that T. gondii infection might affect susceptibility to depression and severity of depressive symptoms in pregnant women, particularly in those patients who have high antibody titers. Further study is required to fully elucidate the characteristics and mechanisms of this association.

Prevalence of antenatal depression and associated factors among pregnant women hospitalized in a high-risk pregnancy unit in Greece.

Women who face pregnancy complications may require hospitalization in a high-risk pregnancy unit (HRPU), and this may have a negative impact on the pregnant woman's mental health. The purpose of this study was to screen for depressive symptoms in pregnant women admitted in a high-risk pregnancy unit and also to investigate associated risk factors. This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled pregnant women admitted at ≥24 gestational weeks in a university hospital HRPU, between September 2014 and November 2015. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms on admission. A cutoff score ≥13 was considered as indicative of depression. Test results were then correlated with the reasons that led to the women's admission as well as socio-demographic characteristics. Overall, 157 of the women admitted in the HRPU during the study period were eligible for the study and agreed to complete the questionnaire. The mean age of the pregnant women was 30±6years, and the mean gestational week at admission was 32±3weeks. The prevalence of antenatal depression (score ≥13) was 28% (44/157). In the multivariate analysis, antenatal depression was significantly correlated with smoking (OR=2.681, 95% CI 1.089-6.601) and the existence of thoughts for pregnancy termination (OR=3.624, 95% CI 1.149-11.427). Approximately one quarter of pregnant women hospitalized in the HRPU may show signs of depression at the time of admission. Smoking and an unwanted pregnancy were found to be independently associated with antenatal depression, whereas no association was found with any obstetric parameters.

Mindfulness, self-compassion and depressive symptoms in pregnant women

IntroductionDepressive symptoms in pregnancy are risk factors for postpartum depression and associated to adverse child outcomes (Glover, 2014). Depressive symptoms decreases after participation in mindfulness and self-compassion based interventions for pregnant women (e.g. Goodman et al., 2014). However, apart from intervention trials, there are not studies on the relationship between mindfulness, self-compassion and depressive symptoms in pregnancy (Zoeterman, 2014).ObjectiveTo explore the association between mindfulness, self-compassion and depressive symptoms in pregnant women.MethodsFour hundred and twenty-seven pregnant women (mean age: 32.56 ± 4.785 years) in their second trimester of pregnancy completed a set of self-report questionnaires validated for pregnancy: Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire-10 ([FMQ-10]; Azevedo et al., 2015; to evaluate Nonjudging of experience/NJ, acting with awareness (AA) and observing and describing (OD), Self-Compassion Scale ([SCS]; Bento et al., 2015; to evaluate self-kindness, self-judgment, common humanity [CH], isolation, mindfulness and over-identification [OD]) and Postpartum Depression Screening Scale-24 (PDSS-24; Pereira et al., 2013). Only variables significantly correlated with the outcomes were entered in the multiple regression models.ResultsFMQ-10 and SCS Total scores were both significant predictors of PDSS-24 (B = –0.294,–0.272). Derealization and failure predictors were NJ and Isolation (B = –0.234; 0.384); Suicidal ideation predictor was NJ, OD and isolation (B = –0.152;–0.115; 0.334); concentration difficulties and anxiety predictors were isolation and CH (B = 0.296;–0.201); Sleep difficulties predictors were AA and isolation (B = –0.199; 0.248) (all P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsMindfulness and self-Ccompassion dimensions, particularly nonjudging of experience, acting with awareness, observing and describing are protective correlates of antenatal depressive symptoms. Isolation is a correlate of PD in pregnancy.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Prenatal depression in women hospitalized for threatened preterm labour: A prospective study in Greece

IntroductionPregnancy complications may require admission in a high-risk pregnancy unit (HRPU). A complicated pregnancy and hospital admission might negatively affect the pregnant woman's mental health.ObjectivesTo screen for depressive symptoms in pregnant women admitted in a high-risk pregnancy unit due to threatened preterm labour and also to investigate for associated risk factors.AimsEarly identification of prenatal depression will decrease the risk of pregnancy complications and postnatal depression.MethodsA prospective study enrolled pregnant women admitted at 324 gestational weeks due to threatened preterm labour in a university hospital HRPU, between 9/2014 and 11/2015. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess depressive symptoms and a cut-off score 313 was considered as indicative of depression. Test results were then correlated with the indication for admission, demographic and socio-economic parameters.ResultsOverall, 80 of the women admitted in the HRPU were eligible for the study and agreed to complete the questionnaire. The mean age was 29.4 ± 6.23 years and the mean gestational week at the admission was 31.6 ± 3.33 weeks. The prevalence of prenatal depression (score 313) was 25% (20/80). In the multivariable model, depression was significantly correlated with the existence of thoughts for pregnancy termination [P = .03 OR = 4.560 95% CI: (1.162–17.892)].ConclusionsOne quarter of pregnant women admitted in the HRPU with the indication of threatened preterm labour may suffer from clinically significant depression. An unwanted pregnancy was found to be independently associated with prenatal depression whereas no association was found with any obstetric parameters.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The association between green space and depressive symptoms in pregnant women: moderating roles of socioeconomic status and physical activity

BackgroundThe current study explored the association between green space and depression in a deprived, multiethnic sample of pregnant women, and examined moderating and mediating variables.Method7547 women recruited to the ‘Born...

The Impact of Neighborhood Environment, Social Support, and Avoidance Coping on Depressive Symptoms of Pregnant African-American Women

BackgroundAlthough depressive symptoms during pregnancy have been related to negative maternal and child health outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight infants, postpartum depression, and maladaptive mother–infant interactions, studies on the impact of neighborhood environment on depressive symptoms in pregnant women are limited. Pregnant women residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of social support. No researchers have examined the relationship between neighborhood environment and avoidance coping in pregnant women. Guided by the Ecological model and Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress and coping, we examined whether social support and avoidance coping mediated associations between the neighborhood environment and depressive symptoms in pregnant African-American women. MethodsPregnant African-American women (n = 95) from a medical center in Chicago completed the instruments twice during pregnancy between 15 and 25 weeks and between 25 and 37 weeks. The self-administered instruments measured perceived neighborhood environment, social support, avoidance coping, and depressive symptoms using items from existing scales. Objective measures of the neighborhood environment were derived using geographic information systems. FindingsPerceived neighborhood environment, social support, avoidance coping, and depressive symptoms were correlated significantly in the expected directions. Objective physical disorder and crime were negatively related to social support. Social support at time 1 (20 ± 2.6 weeks) mediated associations between the perceived neighborhood environment at time 1 and depressive symptoms at time 2 (29 ± 2.7 weeks). An increase in avoidance coping between times 1 and 2 also mediated the effects of perceived neighborhood environment at time 1 on depressive symptoms at time 2. ConclusionPregnant African-American women's negative perceptions of their neighborhoods in the second trimester were related to higher levels of depressive symptoms in the third trimester. If these results are replicable in prospective studies with larger sample sizes, intervention strategies could be implemented at the individual level to support pregnant women in their ability to cope with adverse neighborhood conditions and ultimately improve their mental health.

Computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for pregnant women with major depressive disorder.

Pregnant women with major depressive disorder (MDD) report that psychotherapy is a more acceptable treatment than pharmacotherapy. However, although results of several studies suggest that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for pregnant women, logistical barriers-including cost and traveling for weekly visits-can limit real-world utility. We hypothesized that computer-assisted cognitive behavior therapy (CCBT) would be both acceptable and would significantly decrease depressive symptoms in pregnant women with MDD. As a preliminary test of this hypothesis, we treated 10 pregnant women with MDD using a standardized CCBT protocol. The pilot results were very promising, with 80% of participants showing treatment response and 60% showing remission after only eight sessions of CCBT. A larger, randomized controlled trial of CCBT in pregnant women with MDD is warranted.

Exercise during pregnancy attenuates prenatal depression: a randomized controlled trial.

Recent studies have estimated the prevalence of depression during pregnancy to be between 10% and 30%, which is higher than that in the postpartum period. Pharmacological treatment during pregnancy is difficult because of the possible side effects of antidepressants on the mother and the fetus. The aim of this study was to examine whether a supervised exercise program (EP) reduces depressive symptoms in pregnant women. A randomized controlled trial was designed. One hundred eighty four healthy pregnant women from Fuenlabrada Hospital were included (31.37 ± 3.62 years). Women from the exercise group (EG) participated in a supervised EP consisting of three, 55- to 60-min sessions per week throughout pregnancy. The main outcome measure was the patients' depression level assessed by means of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). A total of 167 pregnant women were analyzed; 90 were allocated to the EG and 77 to the control group (CG). Significant differences were found between groups at the end of the study in CES-D scores (EG: 7.67 ± 6.30 vs. CG: 11.34 ± 9.74, p = .005) and in percentages of pregnant women depressed (EG: n = 11/12.2% vs. CG: n = 19/24.7%, p = .04). Our results show that supervised physical exercise during pregnancy reduces the level of depression and its incidence in pregnant women.

Biofeedback training during pregnancy decreases the risk of postpartum depression: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Objective To explore the clinical function of biofeedback training in patients with high risks of postpartum depression,and to provide a new method to decrease the risk of postpartum depression.Methods From May 1,to December 31,2010,in Bayi Children's Hospital,General Hospital of Beijing Military Area Command of Chinese PLA,60 pregnant women with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) evaluation score of 6 to 12 at 12～14 gestational weeks were randomly divided into the biofeedback training group (n=30) and the control group (n=30).The control group learned prenatal care knowledge in pregnant women's school.Moreover,the biofeedback training group received Self-generate Physiological Coherence System training till one week before delivery.Both groups were evaluated with the EPDS at baseline,and 3 days,6 weeks,3 months postpartum.Differences between the two groups were compared with mixed effect model.Results Totally,there were 51 pregnant women finished the study,including 25 women in the biofeedback training group and 26 in the control group.There were no statistical difference in EPDS score at 12～14 gestational weeks between the biofeedback training group and control group [8.5±2.0 vs 8.5±1.9,t=0.03,P=0.97].At 3 days,6 weeks and 3 months postpartum,the EPDS score of biofeedback training group was 4.1 ± 1.8,4.7 ± 2.0 and 4.6 ± 1.8 respectively,which was lower than those in the control group (6.5 ± 2.4,7.0 ± 2.5and 6.9±2.4) (interaction effect F=4.35,P=0.01).On each postpartum time-point,OR value and 95％CI was 0.12 (0.03-0.45),0.21 (0.06-0.68) and 0.23 (0.07-0.77),P＜0.05 respectively.Cohen's d value were 1.17,0.99 and 1.06 respectively.Compared with the baseline value,the total EPDS scores in each study stage declined with varied degrees in both groups,and the score-reducing level were obvious in the biofeedback training group than in the control group.Conclusion Biofeedback training could effectively relieve the depression symptoms in pregnant women with high risks of postpartum depression,and decrease the risk of postpartum depression. Key words: Depression, postpartum; Biofeedback (psychology) ; Pregnancy complications; Depressive disorder; Treatment outcome

Yoga Reduces Prenatal Depression Symptoms

This research assessed the effects of yoga on prenatal depression symptoms using archival data. Depressed pregnant women were randomly assigned to either a yoga treatment group (n = 12) or a parenting education control group (n = 12). Women in the yoga group participated in classes two times a week for a period of 12 weeks. The attention control group received 12 parenting education sessions on the same schedule. The yoga versus control group showed greater decreases on the depressed affect and somatic/ vegetative subscales and the summary score of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Thus, yoga appears to reduce depression symptoms in pregnant women.

Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Women: Does Diabetes Have an Impact?

Background: Potential adverse consequences of maternal depression such as preterm labour and delivery, NICU admission, and altered development in the offspring underscore the need to better delineate contributing risk factors. Despite the association of diabetes and depression in non-gravid populations, there is limited data on the impact of a diabetes diagnosis on the prevalence of depression during pregnancy. The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms in pregnant women with and without diabetes. Study Design: This observational study utilized a cross-sectional convenience sampling method. The Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition (BDI-II) was used to screen women during a routine obstetrical visit. Rate comparisons were performed using the independent t-test, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Two hundred women were screened. 22% of participants with diabetes and 23% of participants without diabetes reported depression symptoms classified as moderate or severe. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding somatic, cognitive, or total BDI-II scores. Conclusion: Given the rates of depression symptoms reported in this population and the possible negative sequelae of untreated depression, screening for this condition should be a routine component of quality prenatal care regardless of comorbidities.

Managing pregnant women with serious mental illness: using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale as a marker of anxiety and depressive symptoms.

To examine the course of depressive and anxiety symptoms using serial measurements of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in pregnant women with serious mental illness (SMI) attending a specialist multi-disciplinary antenatal clinic in Perth, Western Australia. A retrospective review of case notes was undertaken for 48 Western Australian pregnant women with schizophrenia and related psychoses and bipolar affective disorders who attended the Childbirth and Mental Illness (CAMI) antenatal clinic between December 2007 and November 2009. Of these patients, 27 completed the EPDS at booking (first appointment) and at 32 weeks gestation. Additional variables collected were demographic data, gestation at booking, and attendance rates for these 27 women, and for comparison another 21 women who did not complete the EPDS for one or both screening periods. Mean total EPDS score decreased from 12.2 (SD 7.6) at booking to 8.5 (SD 6.4) at 32 weeks gestation (p = 0.007). Overall mean attendance rates and number of appointments were similar to the non-SMI population and in keeping with standard guidelines. We speculate from these preliminary findings that being managed by a consistent small multi-disciplinary team and knowing that they will be supported throughout their pregnancy could lead to improvement of anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant women with SMI, and has the potential to increase their attendance for antenatal care.

Maternal depressive symptoms, serum folate status, and pregnancy outcome: results of the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study

The objective was to explore whether different levels of depressive symptoms in pregnant women and their serum folate status combined were associated with the gestational age and birthweight of their offspring. Data were derived from pregnant women in Amsterdam who completed a questionnaire covering depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) and from whom blood samples were taken to determine serum folate status. Only live-born singletons were included (n = 4044) in the multivariate regression analysis. When adjusted for potential confounders, only the association between major depressive symptoms and gestational age remained significant (-0.2 weeks; 95% confidence interval, -0.4 to -0.1). Women with depressive symptoms and low folate status (7.6%) experienced the shortest gestational age (38.6 weeks) and lowest birthweight (3270 g) (there was no significant interaction). Depressive symptoms were associated with shorter gestational age and related lower birthweight. The study results underline the importance of folic acid intake specifically in women suffering from depressive symptoms.

Tobacco smoking and depression during pregnancy

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and depression in pregnant women and to identify associated factors. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study including 1,264 pregnant women assisted by the public health service in the municipality of Pelotas, Brazil. Depression was evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Cigarette consumption was assessed using open questions. Poisson regression was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression during pregnancy was 21.2%; 19.3% of the depressed women were smokers. Women who smoked during pregnancy showed a 1.72-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.27-2.34) higher probability of being depressed. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a positive relationship between cigarette smoking and depression symptoms in pregnant women.

Depressive symptoms and migraine comorbidity among pregnant Peruvian women

Background: Migraine and depression are known to be comorbid conditions in non-pregnant women and men. However, the migraine–depression comorbidity among pregnant women, particularly women in developing countries has not been evaluated. Therefore, we evaluated the migraine-depressive symptom relationship in a large cohort of pregnant Peruvian women. Methods: Women who delivered singleton infants ( n = 2293) at the Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal, Lima, Peru were interviewed during the postpartum hospital stay. Women were asked questions related to their lifetime and pregnancy experiences with headaches and migraines. Responses to these questions enabled the classification of “probable” and “strict” migraines according to the International Headache Society diagnostic criteria. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Subset. Logistic regression procedures were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Approximately 32% of the women reported a history of migraine, while 41% reported experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Compared with women without a history of migraine, women with strict migraine had AORs of 2.12 (95% CI 1.54–2.93), 1.85 (95% CI 1.16–2.96) and 2.23 (95% CI 1.08–4.62) for moderate, moderately severe and severe depressive symptoms, respectively. Conclusion: This is the first report of a cross-sectional association between migraine and depressive symptoms in pregnant women. If our findings are confirmed, pregnant women with a history of migraine may benefit from increased vigilance for screening and treating depressive symptoms.

Pregnancy after early pregnancy loss: A prospective study of anxiety, depressive symptomatology and coping

Miscarriages can have lasting psychological effects on those concerned. In a prospective longitudinal study, 342 women were questioned about the way in which they coped after an early miscarriage (up to the 16th week of gestation), a few weeks after the pregnancy loss. There are data available from the first trimester of a subsequent pregnancy for 108 of these women. Standardized symptom scales were used to explore the pregnancy-specific anxiety, state and trait anxiety (STAI) and depressive symptoms in pregnant women and these were compared with the symptoms of 69 pregnant women with no history of miscarriages. Women with a history of miscarriages suffer more from pregnancy-specific anxieties in the first trimester of a new pregnancy than pregnant women with no history of miscarriages. Patterns of “depressive coping” and “anxious grieving” after the losses are predictive of more marked anxiety and depression symptoms in the first trimester of a subsequent pregnancy. These results suggest that women who have had an early miscarriage are particularly at risk of disturbances in their psychological adaptation in a new pregnancy. It is possible to determine risk factors which can be used to recognize those women who are particularly at risk directly after the miscarriage.

Religiosity, Spirituality, and Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Women

Depression during pregnancy has potential repercussions for both women and infants. Religious and spiritual characteristics may be associated with fewer depressive symptoms. This study examines the association between religiosity/spirituality and depressive symptoms in pregnant women. Pregnant women in three southern obstetrics practices were included in a cross sectional study evaluating religiosity, spirituality, and depressive symptoms. Symptoms of depression were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The depression outcome was measured in two ways: the EPDS score as a continuous outcome, and a score at or above the recommended EPDS cutoff (> 14). A wide array of potential confounders was addressed. Special attention was given to the interplay between religiosity/spirituality, social support, and depressive symptoms. The mean EPDS score was 9.8 out of a maximum possible score of 30. Twenty-eight women (8.1%) scored above the recommended EPDS cutoff score. Overall religiosity/spirituality was significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms when controlling for significant covariates, but there was a significant interaction such that the association became weaker as social support increased. Social support did not appear to be an important mediator (intermediate step) in the pathway between religiosity/spirituality and depressive symptoms. Religiosity and spirituality may help protect from depressive symptoms when social support is lacking. Longitudinal research is needed to assess the directionality of the observed relationships.

Depressive Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Early Pregnancy

Depressive symptoms can be associated with lower health-related quality of life in late pregnancy. Few studies have quantified the effect of depressive symptoms in early pregnancy or among a racially and economically diverse group. Our goal was to estimate the independent association of depressive symptoms with health-related quality of life among a diverse group of women in early pregnancy. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 175 pregnant women receiving prenatal care in a community and university-based setting. We related the presence of depressive symptoms, defined as a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score of 16 or more to health-related quality of life scores from the 8 Medical Outcomes Study Short Form domains: Physical Functioning, Role-Physical, Bodily Pain, Vitality, General Health, Social Functioning, Role-Emotional, and Mental Health. Quantile regression was used to measure the independent association of depressive symptoms with each of the 8 domains. The study sample was 49% African American, 38% white, and 11% Asian. Mean (+/- standard deviation) gestational age was 14 +/- 6 weeks. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 15%. Women with depressive symptoms had significantly lower health-related quality of life scores in all domains except Physical Functioning. After adjustment for sociodemographic, clinical, and social support factors, depressive symptoms were associated with health-related quality of life scores that were 30 points lower in Role-Physical, 19 points lower in Bodily Pain, 10 points lower in General Health, and 56 points lower in Role-Emotional. Women in early pregnancy with depressive symptoms have poor health-related quality of life. Early identification and management of depressive symptoms in pregnant women may improve their sense of well-being. II-2.

Assault Victim History as a Factor in Depression During Pregnancy

In Brief Objective To examine the relationship between history of interpersonal assault victimization and severity of depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Methods Two hundred forty-eight pregnant, married women, aged 15–46 years presenting to obstetric clinics in Kuwait were assessed for lifetime history of assault victimization and other stressful events, marital conflict, family stress, and depressive symptoms using various self-report measures. An analysis of covariance was used to examine the effect of assault victim history on depression scores, using assault victim history and marital conflict as independent variables, and family stress and other stressful event scores as covariates. Results Assault victim history, but not marital conflict, was significant in self-reported severity of depressive symptoms, even after controlling for effects of family stress and other stressful events (F = 11.58; P < .001). Specifically, regardless of marital conflict, women with assault victim histories (mean ± standard deviation, 1.27 ± 0.15) had significantly higher depression scores than those with no assault histories (0.78 ± 0.14). Lack of statistical power might have limited detection of independent effects of marital conflict, and possible interactions between marital conflict and assault victim history. Conclusion Assault victim history has a significant influence on depressive symptoms in pregnant women. Routine assessment of detailed assault victim history and marital problems in obstetric patients is strongly recommended. Assault victim history is associated with increased severity of self-reported depression in pregnant women, even after effects of other psychosocial stressors are controlled for.

Assault victim history as a factor in depression during pregnancy

Objective: To examine the relationship between history of interpersonal assault victimization and severity of depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Methods: Two hundred forty-eight pregnant, married women, aged 15–46 years presenting to obstetric clinics in Kuwait were assessed for lifetime history of assault victimization and other stressful events, marital conflict, family stress, and depressive symptoms using various self-report measures. An analysis of covariance was used to examine the effect of assault victim history on depression scores, using assault victim history and marital conflict as independent variables, and family stress and other stressful event scores as covariates. Results: Assault victim history, but not marital conflict, was significant in self-reported severity of depressive symptoms, even after controlling for effects of family stress and other stressful events ( F = 11.58; P < .001). Specifically, regardless of marital conflict, women with assault victim histories (mean ± standard deviation, 1.27 ± 0.15) had significantly higher depression scores than those with no assault histories (0.78 ± 0.14). Lack of statistical power might have limited detection of independent effects of marital conflict, and possible interactions between marital conflict and assault victim history. Conclusion: Assault victim history has a significant influence on depressive symptoms in pregnant women. Routine assessment of detailed assault victim history and marital problems in obstetric patients is strongly recommended.