Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious health problem, which is associated with maternal distress and negative effects on the offspring. Most of the predictors of PPD are psycho-socio-demographic, but little is known about obstetrical factors, such as physical and psychological trauma during delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between mode of delivery (vaginal or Caesarian section) and its preference, psychological trauma during labor and the risk of developing PPD.
Methods: 336 patients were interviewed about sociodemographic variables such as maternal age, pregnancy planning, history of abortion, complications during delivery, marital relationship, psychological trauma during labor and the type of delivery. Depressive symptoms were examined with the Brazilian validated versions of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory.
Results: We found a significant association between PPD and psychological trauma during delivery. Moreover, PPD was significantly related to a higher pregnancy risk, unplanned pregnancy, abortion wishes, history of PPD and major depression during life. However, no relationship between PPD and delivery mode preference and type of delivery could be demonstrated.
Conclusion: There is no relationship between PPD, delivery mode preference, and type of delivery. When considering the type of delivery, the future mother and the obstetrician should weight risks and benefits and choose the best alternative. Clinicians should take into consideration pregnancy risk, unplanned pregnancy, abortion wishes, history of previous PPD, and major depression during life, once they are related to PPD.
Humberto Correa
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