Depressive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression, and changes over time from pregnancy to postpartum period. DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 23 cities in Turkey, with 497 pregnant women. FINDINGS: Of women, 13.5% had a high level of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and 4.8% during the postpartum period. Significant relationships emerged between total Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score and mean age of participants and their husbands, duration of marriage, parity, and history of receiving professional psychological support. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Family planning education could be an important intervention to prevent depression in young couples.