Depressive symptomatology at full-term pregnancy in low risk women

ABSTRACT Objectives The aims of the study were to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptomatology in full-term pregnancy (low risk), evaluate their predictors and maternal-fetal outcomes. To this end, the applicability of Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS 24) will be evaluated, at full-term pregnancy. Methods PDSS 24 and a sociodemographic, psychosocial, pathological and obstetrical background questionnaire were self-administered to 403 pregnant women (37-40 weeks gestation), with a mean age of 30.5 years (SD = 4.67). Data from maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes were collected from the patient clinical process. Results PDSS 24 revealed adequate psychometric properties to screening depressive symptomatology in full-term pregnancy. The prevalence of depressive symptomatology was 41.7%. Pregnant women with lower study levels, who weren’t married, whose pregnancy was unplanned and with a previous history of significant life events present twice the risk to present depressive symptomatology. Pregnant women who hadn’t received the desired social support in pregnancy and with a history of depression present about a 3-fold increased risk to present depressive symptomatology. For maternal-fetal outcomes (pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, Apgar score at 1st/5th minute, type of delivery, weight percentile, oligohydramnios and need for neonatal intensive care), the differences were not significant. Conclusion Screening for prenatal depression should be conducted during pregnancy. However, in full-term pregnancy women, the use of PDSS 24 as a screening tool for depressive symptomatology should be done with caution. The high prevalence of sleep-related symptoms, in full-term pregnancy, may lead to overdiagnosis, using PDSS 24.