OBJECTIVE: Describe the association between depression during pregnancy and effects on the newborn (low birth weight and prematurity). METHODS: We conducted a cohort study of 100 pregnant women enrolled between March and September 2011 in a public primary health service in Nova Iguaçu. Participants were interviewed about their sociodemographic characteristics, medical/obstetric conditions, stressful life events and social support. Depression was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). After the post-partum mothers were interviewed about low birth weight and preterm birth. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression during pregnancy was 18% (95% CI: 12.2 to 23.8). Factors associated with neonatal outcome were gestational depression (OR: 6,60 CI: 1,51-28,91) and alcohol (OR: 8,75 CI: 1,10-69,71). CONCLUSION: The implications of this study to the practice emphasize the need for screening for depression during pregnancy.
Pregnancy; newborn low birth weight; prematurity; depression
