Diabetes and Depression During Pregnancy May Be Linked to Higher Risk of Postpartum Depression in Mothers

Author(s): Lauren Shuffrey, et al.

Who sponsored this study?

This research was supported by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, Office of The Director, National Institutes of Health.

What were the study results?

The study found that participants with gestational diabetes were more likely to be classified as having prenatal depression compared to those without gestational diabetes. Participants with both gestational diabetes and prenatal depression had an increased risk of developing postpartum depression. But gestational diabetes on its own, without prenatal maternal depression, was not linked to an increased risk of postpartum depression.

Footnote: Results reported here are for a single study. Other or future studies may provide new information or different results. You should not make changes to your health without first consulting your healthcare professional.

What was the study's impact?

These findings underscore the importance of universal depression screenings during pregnancy and for at least a year following birth.

Why was this study needed?

There is a lack of research into how the combination of gestational diabetes (a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy) and prenatal depression affects a person’s risk for postpartum depression.

Who was involved?

This study included 5,822 participants from 16 ECHO cohorts across 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. A total of 4,606 participants had neither gestational diabetes nor prenatal depression, 416 had gestational diabetes only, 689 had prenatal maternal depression only, and 111 had both gestational diabetes and prenatal maternal depression.

What happened during the study?

Researchers collected information from the participants including gestational diabetes diagnosis and self-assessments of depression symptoms during and after pregnancy. The researchers then used that data to evaluate the relationship between gestational diabetes, prenatal depression, and postpartum depression.

What happens next?

Future studies should examine potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between gestational diabetes, prenatal depression, and postpartum depression. The ECHO Program is currently working towards analyzing blood samples collected during pregnancy to identify potential factors involved in this relationship.

Where can I learn more?

Access the full journal article, titled “Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Prenatal Maternal Depression, and Risk for Postpartum Depression: An Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Study” in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.

The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Published October 8, 2022

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