The association between preconception loss of control over eating and depressive symptom trajectories from childhood through first pregnancy

Abstract

ObjectiveLoss of control over eating (LOC) during pregnancy impacts prenatal health and often co‐occurs with depressive symptoms. However, the role of depression history as a risk factor for LOC prior to pregnancy is unclear; information that is essential for effective prenatal health promotion. We examined the association between trajectories of depressive symptoms from childhood to first pregnancy and preconception LOC.MethodParticipants (N = 1031) were predominantly Black, first‐time mothers enrolled in the population‐based Pittsburgh Girls Study. LOC and depressive symptoms were measured annually. Pre‐pregnancy height and weight, and gestational weight gain data were abstracted from medical records.ResultsThere was a significant difference in age of first conception for Black and White individuals (t = 8.73, df = 976, p < .001). Latent class analysis revealed four and three classes of depressive symptom trajectories for Black and White individuals, respectively. In the entire sample, the high‐changing and moderate‐decreasing classes of depressive symptoms were each associated with lifetime, in preconception year and not in preconception year, LOC (X2 = 56.7, p < .001).DiscussionHigh levels of lifetime depressive symptoms may increase vulnerability to future LOC prior to first pregnancy, suggesting potential targets for interventions to improve maternal health.Public SignificanceBoth depression history and disordered eating behaviors are known to influence prenatal health. The present study revealed associations between high levels of depressive symptoms from childhood through first pregnancy and loss of control over eating that included the year prior to conception. Results highlight potential targets for preconception interventions with relevance for future prenatal health.