Factors predictive of depression scores taken at one and six weeks postpartum

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to identify factors significantly related to postpartum depression scores. Thirty seven multiparous and primiparous normal women were studied prospectively in regard to depression; stress; social support, hormonal, and cognitive factors. Questionnaries related to these five areas of interest were completed by each subject during the third trimester of pregnancy; on day 5,6, or 7 postpartum, and at six weeks postpartum. Forward and stepwise regressions were used to analyse the data at each phase of the study. Depression scores taken the first week postpartum were significantly related to the depression scores taken during pregnancy: to birth stressors; to a mother's sense of efficacy; and to pre-menstrual tension. The depression scores taken at six weeks postpartum were significantly related to the depression scores taken during the early puerperium, and to general life stress scores. A combined set of measures was seen to predict the postpartum depression scores better than any single measure.