Gestational weight gain and risk of postpartum depression: A meta-analysis of observational studies

Abstract

The association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and postpartum depression (PPD) is still controversial. The present study aimed to assess the association between GWG and the risk of developing PPD by means of a meta-analysis. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disk, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu, and Wanfang database were searched up to May 19, 2021 to identify relevant studies that evaluated the association between GWG and PPD. Meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan software and Stata software. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out to explore the potential heterogeneity source, and Begg's funnel plots and Begg's linear regression test were performed to assess the potential publication bias. A total of sixteen studies involving 100,438 participants were identified in this study. Overall, the total, excessive and inadequate GWG was significantly associated with a higher risk of developing PPD. These results emphasize the necessity of strengthening the prevention and intervention of excessive and inadequate weight gain during pregnancy to promote maternal and infant health. However, further studies on the association between GWG at different stages of pregnancy and the risk of developing PPD are warranted.

Keywords: Gestational weight gain; Meta-analysis; Postpartum depression.