A new study from the University of Michigan published in the journal BMC Research Notes has documented rise in the incidence of postpartum depression and major depressive disorder among mothers who gave birth during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For this study, Shuman and co-researchers collected online survey data, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) from 670 postpartum patients who had delivered a live baby between February and July 2020.

Thirty-eight percent of study participants were found to have postpartum depression with an EPDS score of ≥ 10 and nearly 22% of those who scored ≥ 13 on EPDS score had major depressive symptoms.

Further analysis of data showed that compared to mothers who breastfed their infants or bottle-fed them with breast milk, women who gave formula milk to their infants were 92% more likely to have postpartum depression; they also had 73% higher odds of screening positive for major depressive symptoms. Mothers with infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units had 74% greater chances of having postpartum anxiety and depression. With every one week increase in length of the postpartum period, the risk of postpartum anxiety and depression increased by 4%. Women who were apprehensive about acquiring Covid-19 for themselves and also for their infants had 71% higher risk of  postpartum depression. Nearly 20% of women with postpartum depression or major depressive symptoms said that they had thoughts about self-harm.

These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms of depression in postpartum women and treatment. This study has also identified the risk factors associated with postpartum depression and anxiety. Educating them about the pandemic coupled with good psychosocial support may allay their fears and improve their mental health and well-being.

Reference

1. Shuman CJ, et al. Postpartum depression and associated risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Res Notes. 2022 Mar 14;15(1):102. doi: 10.1186/s13104-022-05991-8.