Association between sleep problems during pregnancy and postpartum depressive symptoms as well as condition of newborn at delivery

Abstract

Background

Pregnancy-related anatomic, physiologic, and hormonal factors can occur at different stages of pregnancy and affect sleep disturbances. The relationship between sleep problems during pregnancy and postpartum depressive symptoms as well as neonatal condition at delivery have not been well described. This study hypothesized that sleep problems are associated with postpartum depressive symptoms and adverse neonatal outcomes at delivery.

Methods

This study conducted a prospective study for perinatal women (n = 683, 30.54 ± 5.11 years old) to evaluate sleep problems during pregnancy using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Berlin questionnaire, postpartum depressive symptoms using Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS), and clinical signs of neonatal condition at delivery using the Apgar score.

Results

PSQI total score during pregnancy were significantly higher in those with postpartum depressive symptoms than those without 1 month after delivery. PSQI score in the third trimester was significantly associated with postpartum depressive symptoms even after adjustment for relevant confounding factors and self-reported lifetime depression (odds ratio = 1.19, 95% confidence interval = 1.03–1.36, p = 0.015). The Apgar score at 5 min after birth was significantly lower in those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than those without OSA in the second and third trimesters, although mean scores were within the normal range.

Conclusion

This study revealed that sleep problems during pregnancy influence postpartum depression 1 month after delivery. OSA during pregnancy may lead to risks of delivery. Attention should be paid to sleep health during pregnancy to ensure the mental health of mothers and a safe delivery.