Postpartum Depression Linked to Nearly 3 Times Higher Infant Death Risk
Summary
A study found that infants born to mothers with postpartum depression symptoms have nearly three times the risk of dying before their first birthday compared to infants whose mothers did not have these symptoms. The research shows a strong link between a mother’s mental health after childbirth and the health outcomes of the baby.Key Facts
- The study analyzed data from 414,890 births in New Jersey between 2016 and 2020.
- Mothers with postpartum depressive symptoms were identified using a screening tool called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
- Infant death rate was 7.2 per 1,000 births for babies with depressed mothers, versus 2.0 per 1,000 for babies with non-depressed mothers.
- After adjusting for different factors, infants of mothers with depressive symptoms had nearly a threefold higher risk of dying before age one.
- The increased risk was found across different races, income levels, and whether the baby was born early or not.
- The risk was especially higher for deaths related to prematurity, birth complications, birth defects, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Mental health support for mothers during and after pregnancy could help improve infant health outcomes.
- Perinatal depression affects about 1 in 5 mothers during or after pregnancy.
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