Labor Analgesia reduces the risk of postpartum depression: A cohort study

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a frequent mental disorder after delivery. In China, most parturients give birth with the assistance of labor analgesia (LA) or by cesarean section (CS); however, it is still unclear whether these two approaches reveal different effects on PPD. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-eight patients with single pregnancy at full term were allocated to receive either group LA or group CS. Maternal and neonatal variables in the perinatal period were recorded. Multivariate logistical regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the associated factors of PPD. RESULTS: The incidence of PPD in group LA was lower than in group CS. Besides, eight factors were found to be potential predictors of PPD. Multivariate logistic model showed that LA was a protective factor against PPD. However, high family income and Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) scores at 3 days postpartum were associated with an increased risk of PPD. CONCLUSION: LA could reduce the incidence of PPD in women with single pregnancy at full term. Family income and EPDS scores in the early postpartum period were also related with PPD. Large sample size studies are needed to verify the impact of LA on the psychological states of postpartum women.