Abstract
Postpartum depression is a prevalent mental disorder; however, scarce research has examined its association with prenatal
health behaviors. This study investigated the associations of cigarette smoking, caffeine intake, and vitamin intake during
pregnancy with postpartum depressive symptoms at 8 weeks after childbirth. Using a prospective cohort study design, participants
were recruited from the postpartum floor at a hospital for women and newborns located in a northeastern city, from 2005 through
2008. Eligible women who were at least 18 years old and spoke English were interviewed in person while hospitalized for childbirth
(N = 662). A follow-up home interview was conducted at 8 weeks postpartum with a 79% response rate (N = 526). Hierarchical regression analyses showed that smoking cigarettes anytime during pregnancy and not taking prenatal
vitamins in the first trimester were significantly associated with worse depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
Scale). Moreover, having a colicky infant, an infant that refuses feedings, being stressed out by parental responsibility,
and having difficulty balancing responsibilities were stressors associated with worse depressive symptoms. Primary health
care providers should consider evaluating women for risk of postpartum depression during their first prenatal visit, identifying
prenatal health behaviors such as smoking and taking prenatal vitamins.
health behaviors. This study investigated the associations of cigarette smoking, caffeine intake, and vitamin intake during
pregnancy with postpartum depressive symptoms at 8 weeks after childbirth. Using a prospective cohort study design, participants
were recruited from the postpartum floor at a hospital for women and newborns located in a northeastern city, from 2005 through
2008. Eligible women who were at least 18 years old and spoke English were interviewed in person while hospitalized for childbirth
(N = 662). A follow-up home interview was conducted at 8 weeks postpartum with a 79% response rate (N = 526). Hierarchical regression analyses showed that smoking cigarettes anytime during pregnancy and not taking prenatal
vitamins in the first trimester were significantly associated with worse depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
Scale). Moreover, having a colicky infant, an infant that refuses feedings, being stressed out by parental responsibility,
and having difficulty balancing responsibilities were stressors associated with worse depressive symptoms. Primary health
care providers should consider evaluating women for risk of postpartum depression during their first prenatal visit, identifying
prenatal health behaviors such as smoking and taking prenatal vitamins.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s00737-011-0252-0
- Authors
- Rada K. Dagher, Department of Health Services Administration, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, 3310B School of Public Health Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Edmond D. Shenassa, Maternal and Child Health Program, Department of Family Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
- Journal Archives of Women’s Mental Health
- Online ISSN 1435-1102
- Print ISSN 1434-1816