The association between preconception loss of control over eating and depressive symptom trajectories from childhood through first pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: Loss of control over eating (LOC) during pregnancy impacts prenatal health and often co-occurs with depressive symptoms. However, the role of depression history as a risk factor for LOC prior to pregnancy is unclear; information that is essential for effective prenatal health promotion. We examined the association between trajectories of depressive symptoms from childhood to first pregnancy and preconception LOC. Method: Participants (N = 1031) were predominantly Black, first-time mothers enrolled in the population-based Pittsburgh Girls Study. LOC and depressive symptoms were measured annually. Pre-pregnancy height and weight, and gestational weight gain data were abstracted from medical records. Results: There was a significant difference in age of first conception for Black and White individuals (t = 8.73, df = 976, p