Obstetric, somatic, and demographic risk factors for postpartum depressive symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and test the predictive power of potential independent risk factors of postpartum depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the perinatal period.


METHODS
We conducted a case-control study where 132 women with postpartum depressive symptoms were selected as an index group and 264 women without depressive symptoms as a control group. Data related to sociodemographic status, medical, gynecologic, and obstetric history, pregnancy, and perinatal events were collected from standardized medical records.


RESULTS
The strongest risk factors for postpartum depressive symptoms were sick leave during pregnancy and a high number of visits to the antenatal care clinic. Complications during pregnancy, such as hyperemesis, premature contractions, and psychiatric disorder were more common in the postpartum depressed group of women. No association was found between parity, sociodemographic data, or mode of delivery and postpartum depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Women at risk for postpartum depression can be identified during pregnancy. The strongest risk factors, sick leave during pregnancy and many visits to the antenatal care clinic, are not etiologic and might be of either behavioral or biologic origin. The possibilities of genetic vulnerability and hormonal changes warrant further investigation to reach a more thorough understanding.
Josefsson
Ann
A
Department of Health and Environment, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden. ann.josefsson@lio.se
Angelsiöö
Lisbeth
L
Berg
Göran
G
Ekström
Carl-Magnus
CM
Gunnervik
Christina
C
Nordin
Conny
C
Sydsjö
Gunilla
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D009819:Office Visits; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D018582:Sick Leave; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology