Relationship between gestational diabetes and postpartum depression

The first month after delivery is the most critical time for mothers and is associated with a three-fold increased risk of depression. Problems during pregnancy may lead to postpartum depression. This study was performed with aim to determine the relationship between gestational diabetes and postpartum depression in women referring to health care centers in Zabol.
This prospective and analytic study was conducted on 105 pregnant women with definite diagnosis of gestational diabetes and 157 healthy pregnant women. Data were collected by personal information form, Beck Depression Inventory, Enrich marriage satisfaction Inventory, Vinfild and Tighmen social support Inventory and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21), and Mann-Whitney, t-test, Chi-square, relative risk test, and logistic regression analysis.
P 36 women (34.3%) with gestational diabetes and 30 (19.1%) without gestational diabetes had experienced depression at 4-6 weeks after delivery. Chi-square test showed significant relationship between gestational diabetes and postpartum depression (P=0.006). Women with gestational diabetes were at risk of postpartum depression 1.79 times than women without gestational diabetes (P=0.006, CI=1.37-2.20).
Gestational diabetes can be a risk factor of postpartum depression, so it is recommended that by preventive measures and treatment of the disease reduce the rate of postpartum depression.