title: Low hemoglobin level is a risk factor for postpartum depression.
abstract: The role of maternal anemia in the development of postpartum depression (PPD) is unclear. PPD is a serious disorder that may negatively affect the physical and emotional health of a new mother and her infant. Although psychosocial factors that increase the risk of developing PPD are known, few studies have identified physiologic factors that predispose a woman to PPD. New mothers were visited at home on d 7, 14 and 28 after an uncomplicated labor and delivery. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was measured via finger-prick blood at each visit, and the women completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depressive Symptomatology Scale (CES-D) on d 28. There was a negative correlation between Hb concentration on d 7 postpartum and depressive symptoms on d 28 (r = -4.26; P = 0.009). CES-D scores (means +/- SEM) on d 7 of women with normal Hb levels > 120 g/L (12 g/dL) were significantly lower (6.90 +/- 1.04) than those of women with Hb levels < or = 120 g/L (12 g/dL) [16.36 +/- 3.34; t(35) = -3.632, P = 0.001]. Thus, women suffering early postpartum anemia may be at increased risk of developing PPD.
authors.affiliation: Intercollege Physiology Program and the School of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. ejc8@psu.edu
authors.forename: Elizabeth J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Corwin
authors.forename: Laura E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Murray-Kolb
authors.forename: John L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Beard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins