Risk Factors for Postpartum Depressive Symptoms in Japan: A Longitudinal Study From the Second Trimester to Three Months Postpartum

Background Postnatal depressive symptoms have been reported to have a negative impact on infant development and mother-child interactions. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent postpartum depression during pregnancy and in the early postpartum period. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for postpartum depressive symptoms up to three months postpartum. Methods Data were collected from self-reported questionnaires and participants' medical records. We recruited women in their second trimester of pregnancy, and 90 participants completed the questionnaires. Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that weight gain during pregnancy was related to postpartum depressive symptoms at two to five days postpartum. Childbirth satisfaction and one-minute Apgar scores were associated with depressive symptoms at two weeks postpartum. Childbirth satisfaction and bonding failure at one month postpartum were related to postpartum depressive symptoms at one month postpartum. Conclusions We consider the factors identified in this study to be useful indicators for assessing postpartum depressive symptoms. Screening for postpartum depressive symptoms during each period could be beneficial as the risk factors differed between periods.