Postpartum depression in cohorts before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Objective: The start of quarantine for the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 began a prolonged period of isolation from family and crucial social support for many pregnant and postpartum patients throughout the country. The objective of this study was to compare the score of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), breastfeeding, and compliance with postpartum gestational diabetes follow-up in cohorts before and after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design: This was a historical cohort study of women presenting for postpartum care in March through May of 2019 and 2020 at a tertiary academic medical center. Demographic information, parity, delivery routes, EPDS scores, maternal mental health history, partner status, and postpartum diabetes screening completion were ed from the electronic medical record. Results were compared between the 2019 and 2020 cohorts. Results: There were 579 women with postpartum visits in the study timeframe, with 260 in 2019 and 319 in 2020. Age, gestational age at delivery, pre-gravid BMI, and partner status were similar between cohorts. (Table 1) There was no difference in history of a mental health diagnosis, history of mental health medication use, or mental health treatment during pregnancy between cohorts. There were more nulliparous patients, cesarean deliveries, African American patients, and Asian patients in 2020. The mean EPDS score was similar between cohorts;there was no difference in breastfeeding or 2-hour glucose tolerance test compliance in women who had gestational diabetes. (Table 2) There was a non-significant trend toward more new postpartum depression treatment in 2020. Conclusion: In our population, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting social disruption was not associated with a difference between EPDS scores, breastfeeding, completion of gestational diabetes follow up or incidence of initiation of mental health treatment in the postpartum period in our population. [Formula presented] [Formula presented]