The Influence of Childbirth Route on Postpartum Depression: A Cross-sectional Study from Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Background: Becoming a mother carries many challenges that can impact a woman's life. The childbirth route, whether vaginal or cesarean, may affect maternal mental health, leading to postpartum depression with various physical, emotional, and behavioral changes. Objectives: To evaluate the association of postpartum depression with the childbirth route, also to measure its frequency and point prevalence at a single time and place among Saudi women. Methods: A Correlational cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, at the King Faisal University Polyclinic, targeting Saudi women within their first six months postpartum. The sociodemographic and obstetrical data were retrieved, while the Edinburgh assessment questionnaire was utilized to assess symptoms of postpartum depression. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Results: In total, 257 qualifying mothers were analyzed with ages ranging from 18 to 45 years (mean age 29.7 ± 6 years). A small proportion, 17.1% experienced psychological issues during pregnancy, 30.4% encountered pregnancy complications, 41.2% had their first childbirth, and 84% delivered vaginally. Exactly 59.9% reported depression, 38.1% had mild, 19.1% moderate, and 2.7% severe depression. In the initial analysis, age 31-40 years, higher education, and obstetric characteristics revealed statistical associations with moderate/severe postpartum depression (Chi-square test p < 0.05). Normal vaginal birth, multiparity, and antepartum complications were identified as the predictors of moderate/severe postpartum depression. Conclusion: A 22% prevalence of moderate to severe postpartum depression was retrieved. The modifications in birth care strategies and postpartum counseling in addressing postpartum depression help achieve a happy motherhood.