Assessment of the Relationship between Vitamin D Levels and Common Complications of Pregnancy with the Incidence of Postpartum Depression in Mothers Covered by Health Centers in Isfahan City in 2020

Physiological and psychological changes during pregnancy are the cause of many psychological disorders including depression. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between vitamin D levels and common complications of pregnancy with the incidence of postpartum depression in mothers.

The present study is a prospective cohort that was performed in two stages on 300 pregnant women who were in the third trimester of pregnancy. The sample selection method was done in several steps using demographic characteristics questionnaire, Sherborne and Stewart social support questionnaire and Edinburgh depression questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 and descriptive statistics, independent t-test, paired t-test, one-way ANOVA and Chi-square. A p value of less than 0.5 was considered significant.

The results of the study showed that gestational complications such as urinary tract infection (P = 0.139), diabetes (P = 0.587) and gestational hypertension (P = 0.080) were not significantly associated with postpartum depression. There is also no significant relationship between vitamin D levels during pregnancy in people with postpartum depression and non-patients. (P> 0/05). Also, low level of social support was associated with a 3.2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum depression (P = 0.001)

Postpartum depression is associated with devastating consequences for both mother and fetus. Therefore, pregnant women, especially those with risk factors and a history of postpartum depression, should be supported by various sources and at the head of the family.