Association of Anemia with Postpartum Mood Disorders

Introduction: Anemia is an important global health issue which has a great impact on mental health. Postpartum depression is an important risk factor for suicide, a major cause of death in postpartum women worldwide. Objective To determine the association of anemia in development of postpartum mood disorders. Methods and materials This comparative study was conducted in the Department of Obstretics and Gynaecology at Sree Balaji Medical College and hospital.150 postnatal mothers who delivered by full term normal vaginal delivery were included in this study. Their hemoglobin levels were checked postnatally at 48hrs. They were categorized into anaemic and non anaemic. A Questionnaire based on Edinburgh postpartum depression scale was given to assess the mental status of the postpartum mothers. They were assessed periodically during each postnatal visit. They were followed up once in 2 weeks, until 6 weeks postpartum. Result Out of 150 women assessed for maternal behavioral symptoms in postpartum period based on their iron status, women with anemia who developed postpartum blues and postpartum depression were about 60 % and 30 % respectively, while 10 % did not develop any postpartum mood disorders. Anemia in postpartum period was significantly associated with increased risk of PPD. In contrast, no significant association was found between anemia and development of postpartum psychosis. Conclusion Postpartum mood disorders was significantly higher in anaemic women versus non-anaemic women. The main causes are not yet known. Considering the negative consequences of depression on mother, her offspring& whole family, diagnosis of anaemia should be an essential part of maternity care during pregnancy and after delivery.