Postpartum depression prevalence in a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Aim: To assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum depression in India. Material and methods: Screening for postpartum depression was done with questionnaires distributed to our postdelivery women after informed consent. We used a 10-point questionnaire called “Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale” (EPDS), as it was easy to use and validate. We analyzed the data to identify risk factors and find the prevalence of postpartum depression in our patients over a 6-month period in a tertiary care hospital in central Mumbai which caters to low-and mid-income groups of patients. Results: We found the prevalence of postdelivery depression identified by EPDS questionnaires at day 3 and day 14 of delivery to be 4%. Conclusion: This shows the necessity to address mental health problems in our postpartum women. If 1 in 25 women has serious mental health issues postdelivery, it can affect the immediate postpartum recovery of mother and also have significant negative impact on maternal and fetal bonding. Clinical significance: The postpartum period which is immediately after delivery to 42 days later is an important and critical period for all mothers with physical, emotional, and psychological ramifications. Maternal mental health is an oft neglected area, and we need to provide more support after identification of such women.