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Human Nutrition and Metabolism
Research Communication

Low Hemoglobin Level Is a Risk Factor for Postpartum Depression¹

Intercollege Physiology Program and the School of Nursing and ^* Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802

²To whom correspondence and reprint requests should be addressed. E-mail: ejc8{at}psu.edu.

The role of maternal anemia in the development of postpartum depression (PPD) is unclear. PPD is a serious disorder that may negatively affect the physical and emotional health of a new mother and her infant. Although psychosocial factors that increase the risk of developing PPD are known, few studies have identified physiologic factors that predispose a woman to PPD. New mothers were visited at home on d 7, 14 and 28 after an uncomplicated labor and delivery. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was measured via finger-prick blood at each visit, and the women completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depressive Symptomatology Scale (CES-D) on d 28. There was a negative correlation between Hb concentration on d 7 postpartum and depressive symptoms on d 28 (r = -4.26; P = 0.009). CES-D scores (means ± SEM) on d 7 of women with normal Hb levels > 120 g/L (12 g/dL) were significantly lower (6.90 ± 1.04) than those of women with Hb levels 120 g/L (12 g/dL) [16.36 ± 3.34; t(35) = -3.632, P = 0.001]. Thus, women suffering early postpartum anemia may be at increased risk of developing PPD.

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