Comparison of birth growth indices between newborns of depressed and non-depressed women

High prevalence of depressive disorder and its disabling effects probably result in adverse effect on normal growth of fetus and on birth growth indices of newborns. Most importantly, their postnatal quality of life may be affected by these indices. This study was performed to compare birth growth indices between newborns of depressed and non-depressed women. This descriptive-analytical, prospective and cohort study was carried out on 320 pregnant women from Najafabad city during the third trimester using simple randomization. By using standard Beck depressive scale test, the women were assessed for depression. Subsequently, the information about the birth growth indices of their newborns were obtained from their family files after delivery. By using, t and χ2 tests, the data was analyzed. The prevalence of depression in pregnant women was 29.3% and it had a significant relationship with unwanted pregnancy (p<0.01) but it wasnt related to age, previous abortion, physical illness and demographic characteristics. The means of weight, height and head circumference at birth in newborns from depressed women were significantly lower than those of non-depressed women (p<0.001). The means of growth indices in newborns from depressed women were significantly lower than those of non-depressed women. Thus, the depressed mothers should be considered more than the others by health and medical system.