A new study has found a surprising link between the seasons and the occurrence of post-natal depression.
While many might guess mothers who give birth in the warmer months are less likely to suffer from postnatal depression, US researchers have found the opposite to be true.
According to the study presented at the Anesthesiology 2017 meeting in Boston, women who give birth in winter or spring are less likely to battle postnatal depression than other seasons.
As The Guardian reports, the US research team examined the medical records of 20,169 women who gave birth between June 2015 and August 2017.
Researchers suggested that the positive effects of having a baby in winter or spring could be linked to the “seasonal enjoyment of indoor activities mothers experience with newborns”.
The team also looked at other factors contributing to postnatal depression, including the length of pregnancy, body mass index, and if an epidural was administered.
The study’s lead author, Dr Jie Zhou explained: “We wanted to find out whether there are certain factors influencing the risk of developing postpartum depression that may be avoided to improve women’s health both physically and mentally,” The Sun reports.
Researchers found that mothers who received pain relief via an epidural are less likely to be diagnosed with postnatal depression.
If you’re expecting a baby in the warmer months, don’t let this study perturb you — further research is of course required to support these findings.
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PANDA – 1300 726 306
beyondblue – 1300 224 636
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – 1800 882 436
