Prenatal depression linked to gestational diabetes

July 17, 2023

 

ECHO researchers recently published a study including 5,822 participants from 16 ECHO cohorts across 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Their goal was to assess the relationship between prenatal depression, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression.

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.

These findings underscore the importance of postpartum depression screenings for at least 1 year following birth. You can read more about this research study, here 

Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dr. Jean Kerver, coauthored the study and leads the CHARM Coalition. CHARM (Child Health Advances from Research with Mothers) is an alliance of scientists and providers from five Michigan institutions whose goal is to improve the health of mothers and children in our state.”

To learn more about the CHARM Study click here.