Analysis of risk factors for postpartum depression after cesarean section in women with early-onset preeclampsia.

backgroundEarly-onset preeclampsia significantly increases maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Many pregnant women with early onset preeclampsia choose cesarean section as their delivery method. Although extensive research has explored the association between postpartum depression (PPD) and cesarean section, few studies have investigated the risk factors after cesarean section in women with early-onset preeclampsia.

aimTo examine these risk factors through a retrospective, observational analysis of 287 women who underwent a cesarean section for early preeclampsia between June 2014 and March 2024.

methodsParticipants were assessed in person during the 32

resultsThe prevalence of PPD was 20.9% (60/287) among the 287 women who underwent cesarean section for early-onset preeclampsia. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that advanced age (age > 40 years) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.31-2.82], previous preeclampsia (OR = 7.15, 95%CI: 5.81-8.85), pre-pregnancy obesity (OR = 2.42, 95%CI: 1.62-3.63), gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.52, 95%CI: 2.51-4.92), preexisting hypertension (OR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.03-1.89), PPD symptoms (EPDS ≥ 11) at 2 days postpartum (OR = 6.15, 95%CI: 1.32-28.35), high prenatal self-rating anxiety scale score (OR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.06-1.18), and pain at 6 weeks postpartum (OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.28-3.66) were independently associated with PPD.

conclusionRisk factors for PPD after cesarean section in women with early-onset preeclampsia include advanced age (age > 40 years), pre-pregnancy obesity, previous preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preexisting hypertension, PPD symptoms (EPDS ≥ 11) at 2 days postpartum, prenatal anxiety, and pain at 6 weeks postpartum. The early identification of these factors and interventions can mitigate the risk of PPD.