Relationship Between Depressive Mood and Maternal Obesity: Implications for Postpartum Depression

  • Sarah C. Rogan
  • Jennifer L. Payne
  • Samantha Meltzer-Brody
Chapter
First Online:

Abstract

Depression in the perinatal period (PND) is common and can have devastating consequences for the mother and child. Obesity and depression have a bidirectional relationship, with each being a causal factor for the other. Here, we review the literature examining the associations between PND, obesity, and postpartum weight retention. The literature is limited but supports a greater incidence of PND among obese women. Universal screening for PND should be part of comprehensive perinatal care, as identification of PND can lead to referral and treatment. Future work should elucidate markers for both obesity and PND to facilitate early identification and intervention.

Keywords

Perinatal depression Antenatal depression Postpartum depression Obesity Overweight Prepregnancy weight Weight loss 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag London 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  • Sarah C. Rogan
    • 1
  • Jennifer L. Payne
    • 2
  • Samantha Meltzer-Brody
    • 3
  1. 1.Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Texas at Galveston, School of MedicineChapel HillUSA
  2. 2.Department of PsychiatryJohns HopkinsBaltimoreUSA
  3. 3.Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillUSA

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