Relationship between anemia and depressive mood in the last trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To compare the relationship between the severity of anemia and depressive mood in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study, enrolled a total of 450 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinics in their third trimester for their routine antenatal follow-up. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The study group was divided into two groups according to presence of anemia; anemic group (Hb < 11 gr/L; n = 150) and non-anemic group (Hb ≥ 11 gr/L; n = 300) and depression scores were compared.

Results: One hundred and fourteen (25.3%) women scored ≥13 points which were considered the cutoff value for depression on the EPDS. Anemia frequency was found as 33.3%. The total EPDS score was significantly higher in the anemic group (EPDS score 11 [min–max 0–29]) compared with the non-anemic group (EPDS score 7 [min–max 0–21]) (p = 0.000). Multiple regression analysis also revealed that serum Hb level was an independent factor for antenatal depressive mood.

Conclusions: As anemia is associated with higher depressive symptom levels, it should be carefully considered during pregnancy. Prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

Keywords:

• Anemia
• depressive mood
• pregnancy
• third trimester

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. There was no source of financial support for this research.