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. 2025 Aug;28(4):741-750.
doi: 10.1007/s00737-025-01560-7. Epub 2025 Feb 3.

The impact of prenatal smoking on postpartum depression: a systematic review

Karol Knysak  1 , Alicja Maj  1 , Karolina Domosud  1 , Aleksandra Urban  2 , Joanna Kacperczyk-Bartnik  3 , Agnieszka Dobrowolska-Redo  3 , Ewa Romejko-Wolniewicz  3
Affiliations

The impact of prenatal smoking on postpartum depression: a systematic review

Karol Knysak et al. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2025 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between prenatal smoking and postpartum depression (PPD) in order to determine if smoking cigarettes is associated with an increased risk of PPD, a prevalent emotional distress in women across various cultures.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to find suitable literature following PRISMA guidelines. Authors searched PubMed and Web of Science databases using specific search terms related to depression and smoking. Articles published in English between November 2019 and November 2023 were screened. Titles and abstracts were reviewed for relevance, and eligible papers underwent detailed full-text analysis.

Results: 334 records were screened, of which 32 met the eligibility criteria, and 10 were included in this review.

Conclusion: Our review provides proof that smoking before and during pregnancy increases the risk of postpartum depression, especially for women who smoke heavily. A more detailed examination of the specific mechanisms linking smoking to postpartum depression is essential and could be a crucial topic for future research.

Article highlights: This study highlights the importance of addressing smoking cessation interventions for pregnant women to potentially reduce the incidence of PPD.

Keywords: Antenatal smoking; Postpartum depression; Prenatal smoking; Systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

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