P R E S S   R E L E A S E

-
It is now generally recognized that postnatal depression has profound adverse effects on the mother, the infant and the family and is an important public health issue.  About one tenth of pregnant women suffer depression after delivery.  Recent research by the Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong finds that antenatal depression too has significantly adverse effects on the mother and the infant and is associated with obstetric and neonatal complications.

More, some postnatal depressions actually begin in the pregnancy and the level of antenatal depression is the most powerful predictor of postnatal depression.  Hence, it is important to understand the potential adverse effects of antenatal depression and tackle the problem earlier by paying more attention to the psychological health of antenatal women.

959 women were studied from late pregnancy to postpartum.  The level of depression was measured at in late pregnancy using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).  Adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes were recorded at delivery.  

The study found that higher level of depression in late pregnancy was associated with 2.6 times increased risk of epidural analgesia and 2.3 times increased risk of operative deliveries such as Cesarean sections and instrumental vaginal deliveries.   Newborn of mothers who had higher level of antenatal depression are also more likely (2.2 x) to be admitted to neonatal care unit.  These effects remained significant even when potential confounders, such as antepartum complications, were controlled for.  

Previous studies have shown that antepartum anxiety or stress were associated with growth retardation, premature delivery and epidural analgesia.  Our findings add to this body of evidence, which together suggest an adverse impact of antepartum psychological morbidity on maternal and neonatal well being.

Besides, antenatal depression may evolve into postnatal depression and therefore, is a costly and important health issue that should not be neglected.  More studies are needed to study the rate, the risk factors, and the adverse impact of antenatal depression and anxiety in Hong Kong Chinese women.  We also suggest arousing hospitals and health care professionals awareness of the need of antenatal care and services for the benefit of pregnant women.