Prenatal depression can lead to preterm birth, researchers warn.
Women are advised not to take stress during pregnancy as both healthy body and mental happiness are required for having a healthy baby.
Emphasizing the fact, a new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found women having depression symptoms during pregnancy at a higher risk of having premature babies, msnbc reported.
Babies born before 37 weeks of gestational age are considered to be premature babies.
Though the study couldn't prove depression directly paving the way for preterm birth, researchers found 14 percent higher chances of depressed women to give birth before completing their gestational period than others.
Earlier studies have found a link between using antidepressants during pregnancy and giving birth early. According to the investigators, the antidepressants may be standing as substitute for the depression's negative impact.
The study examined 14,000 women, who underwent prenatal depression screening between 2003 and 2011. Out of the total participants, nine percent tested positive for depression. A majority of those women gave birth before completing their gestational period.
Maternal age, race and history of premature birth were also noticed.
At the end of the study, investigators found the depression symptoms tied up with 30 percent higher chance of having a preterm birth.
But contradictory to the current findings, a study published in the journal Epidemiology in May had eliminated depression's role in premature birth , but found taking antidepressants like serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) during pregnancy increasing the risk of late preterm birth between 34 and 37 weeks.
Preterm birth is the second leading cause of death among children five and below in the world.
The findings bring concern as premature babies are more likely to face many health problems like intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, breathing/respiratory problems, and feeding / digestive problems and vision/hearing loss.
