The impact of postpartum depression on maternal mental and physical health

Background. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health condition affecting maternal wellbeing, with potential consequences for both psychological and physical health. Early identification of depressive symptoms and their impact on overall health is essential for improving postpartum care. This study explores the relationship between PPD and maternal mental and physical health to highlight its broader implications. Aim. This study aims to assess postpartum depression and its association with maternal mental and physical health. Methods. A total of 218 postpartum women participated in the study. Postpartum depression symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), while maternal health was evaluated using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-10), which includes both physical and mental health subscales. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation to examine relationships between EPDS scores and maternal health indicators measured by PROMIS-10. A statistical significance level of p < 0.05 was considered for all analyses. Results. The mean depression score among participants was 6.4 (SD = 3.4), with 18.8% exceeding the threshold for increased PPD risk. The mean mental health score was 50.2 (SD = 9.8), while the physical health score averaged 49.9 (SD = 10.0). A significant negative correlation was observed between PPD severity and maternal mental health (r = –0.32, p < 0.001), indicating that higher depressive symptoms were associated with poorer psychological well-being. A weaker but still statistically significant correlation was also found between PPD severity and physical health (r = –0.15, p = 0.024), suggesting a modest impact on physical well-being. Conclusion. Postpartum depression is associated with poorer maternal mental health and may also influence physical well-being. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive postpartum screening and holistic health assessments to improve maternal care. Integrating mental health evaluations into routine postpartum follow-ups may aid in early intervention and better support for affected mothers.