Depression during pregnancy and gestational weight gain: A study of Brazilian pregnant women

Objectives: The relationship between psychosocial factors/mental health/depressive symptoms and inadequate gestational weight (GW) change remains poorly understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between depressive symptoms and inadequate GW change according to the criteria established by the Institute of Medicine in 2009. Methods: This cross-sectional study was part of a prospective cohort, and conducted in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Pregnant women who received prenatal care at basic health care units in the city participated in the study (n = 297). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms during pregnancy, and the cutoff point used for the positive screening of depressive symptoms was ≥13. The association between depressive symptoms and two outcomes (insufficient and excessive weight change during second and third trimesters) was investigated using logistic regression models with adjustment for potential confounders. Crude and adjusted effect measures (odds ratios) and their relevant 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results: There was an association between a positive score for depression during pregnancy and insufficient GW gain. No association was observed between depressive symptoms and excessive GW gain. Conclusions: The presence of depressive symptoms significantly increased the chance of insufficient GW change. This finding enhances the need for screening for depression in prenatal care.