Incidence and Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression among Women with Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes

Abstract

Objective Patients admitted for preterm prelabor rupture of membranes are more likely to have risk factors for postpartum depression, including preterm delivery, low-birthweight infants, and a stressful life event. However, there is a paucity of data characterizing the development of postpartum depression in this population. We aim to evaluate the incidence of and describe risk factors for postpartum depression among patients admitted with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted for preterm prelabor rupture of membranes in a single health system between 2013 and 2019. Patients who developed depression were compared with patients who did not develop depression. Demographic, antepartum/intrapartum/postpartum, and neonatal characteristics were compared. Bivariate statistics were used to compare outcomes and logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios. Results Of 132 included patients with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, 25 (18.9%) had postpartum depression. Factors significantly (p < 0.05) associated with postpartum depression included history of depression, anxiety, or any prior mental health condition. Earlier admission gestational age, rupture of membranes < 28 weeks, earlier delivery gestational age, neonatal morbidity, and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis also were significantly associated with postpartum depression. Latency, maternal postpartum length of stay, and neonatal intensive care unit length of stay were not significantly associated. In regression models, only a history of depression (odds ratio [OR], 11.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.78–50.95) and neonatal morbidity (OR, 5.01; 95% CI, 1.15–21.89) remained associated with postpartum depression. Conclusion Postpartum depression occurred in nearly one in five patients with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Pre-existing depression and adverse neonatal outcomes strongly predicted postpartum depression. There is an urgent need to prioritize maternal mental health among patients with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes in the peripartum period. Further research is needed to identify optimal resources for mitigating the risk of postpartum depression in this cohort. Key Points

Googling preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes: A systematic review of patient information available on the internet

“…Information must also consider the wider‐reaching implications of the condition, such as its increased association with antenatal anxiety and postnatal depression, and signpost to support for this 22,23 . Given the often stigmatised nature of mental health, increased awareness of these associations may empower women to ask for help sooner.…”

“…Information must also consider the wider-reaching implications of the condition, such as its increased association with antenatal anxiety and postnatal depression, and signpost to support for this. 22,23 Given the often stigmatised nature of mental health, increased awareness of these associations may empower women to ask for help sooner. Early access to additional information on prematurity would also be valuable, especially given the high and enduring rates of anxiety and post-traumatic stress among parents who have had babies cared for on neonatal units.…”