Depression linked to premature births
Pregnant women with symptoms of depression are at increased risk for premature delivery, a new study has found.
The report, published online in Human Reproduction, used a 20-question depression scale to interview 791 women early in their pregnancies. Scores on the questionnaire range from 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating more, and more
frequent, depressive symptoms.
After controlling for previous preterm births and miscarriages, socioeconomic status, education and other variables, the scientists found that compared with those who scored below 16, those with a score of 16 to 21 had a 60 per cent increased risk of delivering prematurely. Women who scored 22 or higher had more than twice the risk.
Dr. De-Kun Li, the lead author, said that the safety of antidepressant use during pregnancy was not known, but that treatment did not have to involve drugs. “Support from peers, family and friends can help,” he said. “If you do have to use medication, you have to weigh the risks and benefits with your doctor.” —AP
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