An association between plasma ferritin concentrations measured 48 h after delivery and postpartum depression.

Abstract Context Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional problem experienced by childbearing women, and postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common psychiatric disorder seen during the first year after delivery. The possible link between iron deficiency and PPD is not clear. Objective To evaluate whether iron status 48 h after delivery was associated with PPD. Our hypothesis was that iron deficiency would be associated with PPD. Design This was a prospective cohort study of depression-free women studied in the postpartum period. Setting Women who give birth at obstetric units in several general hospitals in Spain. Participants A subsample of 729 women was included in the present s…