The impact of body mass index on the pregnancy outcomes and risk of perinatal depression: Findings from a multicenter Italian study

Abstract

Background Body Mass Index (BMI) is an informative factor on body fatness which has been associated to higher levels of Perinatal Depression (PD) and complications during pregnancy. We aimed to explore the impact of pre-pregnancy and postnatal BMI on the risk of Perinatal Depression and pregnancy outcomes among women recruited at their third trimester of pregnancy. Methods We report on findings from a large multi-centre study conducted in the South of Italy and involving 1611 women accessing three urban gynaecological departments from July to November 2020. Pregnant women were assessed at their third trimester of pregnancy (T0) and after the childbirth (T1) ;The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been employed for the screening of PD over time (T0 and T1) as well as other standardized measures for neuroticism, resilience, and quality of life at baseline. BMI (T0 and T1) and other socio-demographic and clinical characteristics have been collected. Results Over-weight and obesity (higher levels of BMI) were associated with higher risk of PD (higher scores of EPDS), higher neuroticism and poorer subjective psychological well-being among enrolled women. Also, obesity and over-weight were associated with lower education, higher number of physical comorbidities, medical treatments and complications during pregnancy. Conclusions Over-weight and obesity may impact on mental health and pregnancy outcome of women enrolled. Psycho-educational interventions aimed to improve the management of physical and emotional issues may reduce the risk of PD and complications during pregnancy.

Association of Pregnant Women’s Perinatal Depression with Sociodemographic, Anthropometric and Lifestyle Factors and Perinatal and Postnatal Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Specifically, women who were affected by overweight or obesity reported a lower educational level. In this aspect, it is possible that a lower degree of education contributes to body weight increase as well as perinatal depression [94]. All the above data are in accordance with our findings except for gestational hypertension, for which we did not find any association with pregnant women's perinatal depression.…”

Body mass index on perinatal depression: A critical viewpoint

“…Body mass index (BMI) and perinatal depression (PD) are two crucial factors that intersect during pregnancy, influencing maternal well-being and pregnancy outcomes. Only recently have these factors been studied by Ventriglio et al in a paper titled, “The impact of body mass index on the pregnancy outcomes and risk of perinatal depression: Findings from a multicenter Italian study” [ 1 ]. In this viewpoint paper, we critically examine the study’s findings and share insights into some of the current literature on this topic.…”

“…The study also highlights the potential impact of BMI on pregnancy outcomes, linking higher BMI to increase medical treatments, physical comorbidities, and complications during pregnancy. This aspect of the research underscores the need for proactive monitoring and management of weight-related concerns during pregnancy to mitigate potential adverse effects on maternal and fetal health [ 1 ].…”

Exploring the Relationship between Neuroticism and Perinatal Depressive Symptoms: Findings from a 2-Year, Multicenter Study in Italy

“…A large number of studies have tested the specific associations between psychological characteristics, personality traits, and the risk for women of developing perinatal depressive symptoms [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Here, we will focus on neuroticism as a specific personality trait supposed to be involved in the vulnerability model of mood disorders.…”