Antenatal and postpartum depression among women who conceived after pregnancy loss: a longitudinal study

Purpose Although the relationship between previous pregnancy loss and perinatal depression has been explored, most previous research has been cross-sectional and has not utilized diagnostic evaluation techniques. This study longitudinally examined the relationship using the self-administered web-based World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0. Methods This study used data from a control group of pregnant women in a randomized controlled trial conducted between November 2019 and March 2020. An accelerated failure time model with Weibull distribution was conducted to evaluate the impact of previous pregnancy loss by number (never, once, and two or more times) on the onset of perinatal depression from 18 ± 2 weeks (baseline) to 3 months postpartum. Results The final analysis included 2,347 participants. The risk of developing perinatal depression was significantly higher for those with two or more previous pregnancy losses compared to those with no previous pregnancy loss (adjusted models: time ratio 0.17, 95% CI 0.03–0.86, p = 0.033). No statistically significant difference was found between those with one pregnancy loss and those with no previous pregnancy loss (adjusted models: time ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24–4.04, p = 0.990). Conclusion Women who experienced repeated pregnancy loss had an elevated risk of diagnosable perinatal depression. Thus, it is crucial to consider interventions targeting pregnant women who have experienced repeated pregnancy loss to prevent perinatal depression.