Outcomes of antenatal depression in women and the new-born: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Objective: To determine what effect maternal antenatal depression has on pregnancy and infant outcomes in the Lleida health region. Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study in pregnant women between 2012 and 2018 in the Lleida health region. Variables included age, body mass index, caesarean section, pre-eclampsia, birth weight, and Apgar score. We performed multivariate analysis, with linear regression coefficients and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Antenatal depression was diagnosed in 2.54% pregnant women from a total sample of 17 177. Depression is significantly associated with a higher risk pregnancy and low birth weight. Pre-eclampsia, 1-minute Apgar score, and caesarean section were not significantly associated with depression. Conclusions: Antenatal depression increases the risk of pregnancy complications. In addition, depression in the mother increases the probability of low birth weight.