The required sample size to study on pregnant women at 38 weeks of gestation was estimated to be 303 individuals (CI = 95%, P-value = 5%). For assessing the relationship between plasma vasopressin level and EPDS score at 6–8 weeks postpartum, the sample size was calculated to be 95 persons. All the 303 subjects were selected from among those who were referred to Urban and Rural Health Care Centers for prenatal care and were not depressed according to their EPDS score (< 13). They were first briefed about the study objectives and confidentiality of maternal and neonatal information, and then their informed consent was obtained.
The study inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy, no systemic diseases such as lupus and diabetes mellitus, no pregnancy complications like diabetes, pre-eclampsia, etc., no previous history of psychological problems, Iranian nationality, no use of antidepressants, hormonal contraceptive pills, or sleeping pills within 2 weeks prior to venous blood sampling, good marital relationship with the spouse, no expressed significant economic problems, and no family history of depression or other mental illnesses. The study exclusion criteria were experiencing stressful conditions or using alcohol within 12 h before sampling, insufficient sleep and heavy physical activity the night before sampling, abnormal blood pressure during sampling or at postpartum period, instrumental vaginal delivery, congenital malformations of the newborn, and complications during childbirth (vaginal delivery or cesarean section) leading to treatments such as blood transfusion, resuscitation, hospitalization in the ICU or CCU, or transfer to the operating room. The mothers were controlled according to the routine prenatal care program until delivery. All participants (n = 303) were once again assessed with the Edinburgh Questionnaire during 6 to 8 weeks after delivery, and if they received a score of 13 or higher, they were referred to a psychiatrist to confirm their depression. Thirty-one of them scored 13 or more; of which, PPD of 29 subjects was confirmed by the psychiatrist. Sixteen non-depressed and five depressed subjects did not meet one of the inclusion criteria or were excluded from the study. Finally, the number of subjects in the depressed and non-depressed groups were 24 and 66, respectively.
Methods of data collection included observation, examination (weight, height, BMI, and other criteria in prenatal care forms such as blood pressure, fetal heart rate, fundal height, and warning signs during pregnancy), and patient interview. Gestational age was calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), or the first trimester ultrasound (if uncertain about LMP). Weight, blood pressure, and heart rate of the fetus were measured by the same person using a digital scale, digital barometer, and fetal heart detector (Sonicaid), respectively.
The study inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy, no systemic diseases such as lupus and diabetes mellitus, no pregnancy complications like diabetes, pre-eclampsia, etc., no previous history of psychological problems, Iranian nationality, no use of antidepressants, hormonal contraceptive pills, or sleeping pills within 2 weeks prior to venous blood sampling, good marital relationship with the spouse, no expressed significant economic problems, and no family history of depression or other mental illnesses. The study exclusion criteria were experiencing stressful conditions or using alcohol within 12 h before sampling, insufficient sleep and heavy physical activity the night before sampling, abnormal blood pressure during sampling or at postpartum period, instrumental vaginal delivery, congenital malformations of the newborn, and complications during childbirth (vaginal delivery or cesarean section) leading to treatments such as blood transfusion, resuscitation, hospitalization in the ICU or CCU, or transfer to the operating room. The mothers were controlled according to the routine prenatal care program until delivery. All participants (n = 303) were once again assessed with the Edinburgh Questionnaire during 6 to 8 weeks after delivery, and if they received a score of 13 or higher, they were referred to a psychiatrist to confirm their depression. Thirty-one of them scored 13 or more; of which, PPD of 29 subjects was confirmed by the psychiatrist. Sixteen non-depressed and five depressed subjects did not meet one of the inclusion criteria or were excluded from the study. Finally, the number of subjects in the depressed and non-depressed groups were 24 and 66, respectively.
Methods of data collection included observation, examination (weight, height, BMI, and other criteria in prenatal care forms such as blood pressure, fetal heart rate, fundal height, and warning signs during pregnancy), and patient interview. Gestational age was calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), or the first trimester ultrasound (if uncertain about LMP). Weight, blood pressure, and heart rate of the fetus were measured by the same person using a digital scale, digital barometer, and fetal heart detector (Sonicaid), respectively.
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