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. 2021 Dec;155(3):490-495.
doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13859. Epub 2021 Sep 8.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on postpartum depression among mothers of extreme and early preterm infants

Tzanka Vatcheva  1 , Anne Mostaert  1   2 , Valérie Van Ingelgem  3   4 , Elisabeth Henrion  1 , Ludovic Legros  1   2
Affiliations

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on postpartum depression among mothers of extreme and early preterm infants

Tzanka Vatcheva et al. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting isolation measures on the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) after preterm birth.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of mothers of extreme and early preterm infants who completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at the standardized 3-6 months follow-up consultation for preterm infants. Mothers assessed during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 34; from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021) were compared with an antecedent control group (n = 108; from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the relationship between the pandemic and the risk of PPD (EPDS score ≥13).

Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was significantly higher in the COVID-19 study group (26% versus 12%, P = 0.043). The multivariable logistic regression model showed a significant association between the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of PPD (adjusted odds ratio 3.60, 95% confidence interval 1.06-12.59, P = 0.040).

Conclusion: Among mothers of extreme and early preterm infants, the COVID-19 pandemic was independently associated with a higher risk of PPD. This confirms the need for a close and long-term follow up of maternal psychological health after preterm birth.

Keywords: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; coronavirus disease 2019; pandemic; postpartum depression; preterm birth; risk factor.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest.

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