ArticleAnnals of medicine and surgery (2012)2026
The prevalence of depressive symptoms in surrogate mothers following child relinquishment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Article in Annals of medicine and surgery (2012), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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10 authors.
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Abstract
Background: Surrogacy is a common assisted reproductive practice, yet its psychological impact on surrogate mothers remains a topic of concern. Understanding the prevalence of depressive symptoms among surrogate mothers is crucial for ensuring adequate mental health support. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms among surrogate mothers. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase for studies published between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2025. Reference lists of eligible articles were also screened. Studies examining rates of depressive symptoms in surrogate mothers within 1 year postpartum were included in the meta-analysis. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms. Results: Eleven studies encompassing 637 surrogate mothers met the inclusion criteria, with six studies qualifying for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms was 3% (95% CI: 0-16%). Subgroup analyses revealed a higher prevalence in India (27.3%) compared to studies from the UK and USA (0%). Additionally, studies with a low risk of bias reported a higher prevalence (9%) than those with a moderate risk (0%). No significant publication bias was detected. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms among surrogate mothers following child relinquishment appears low; however, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and considered exploratory in light of the limited underlying evidence. Further well-designed studies are needed to clarify contextual factors influencing mental health outcomes in surrogacy.
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