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Examining The Relationship between Experiencing A Hypertensive Disorder During Pregnancy and The Onset of Depression in The Postpartum Period

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): Desember:
DOI : https://doi.org/10.21070/ijhsm.v2i3.322
Published : Dec 14, 2025

Nadia Ridha Atiyah (1), Areej Kazim Shareef (2), Zeena Abdulelah Yaseen (3)

(1) senior specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology AlElwiah teaching Hospital Baghdad, Iraq
(2) senior specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology AlElwiah teaching Hospital Baghdad, Iraq
(3) senior specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology AlElwiah teaching Hospital Baghdad, Iraq
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Abstract:

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide and may exert substantial psychological effects on affected women. Beyond their physical complications, HDP may predispose women to postpartum depression through physiological stress, obstetric complications, and intensive clinical management during pregnancy and childbirth. Despite growing recognition of this association, evidence remains limited and inconsistent regarding the relationship between HDP severity, related clinical factors, and the onset of postpartum depressive symptoms, particularly in Iraq. This study aimed to examine the relationship between hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and the development of postpartum depression and to identify associated demographic, obstetric, and clinical risk factors. A descriptive cross-sectional prospective study was conducted among 180 postpartum women, including 50 with pre-eclampsia and 130 normotensive women. Depressive symptoms were 2.5 times more prevalent among women with HDP compared to normotensive women (35.7% vs. 19.8%). Higher Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores were significantly associated with HDP diagnosis, higher parity, history of spontaneous abortions, elevated diastolic blood pressure, premonitory signs of eclampsia, magnesium sulfate therapy, and formula feeding during hospitalization. No significant differences were observed in neonatal outcomes between groups. This study provides regional evidence linking HDP and postpartum depressive symptoms while highlighting specific clinical and obstetric correlates. Early postpartum screening using EPDS and targeted psychological support for women with HDP may facilitate timely identification and management of postpartum depression.


Highlights



  1. Postpartum depressive symptoms were 2.5 times more prevalent among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy compared to normotensive women.

  2. Higher EPDS scores were significantly associated with severe clinical features, including elevated diastolic blood pressure, premonitory eclampsia signs, magnesium sulfate therapy, and higher parity.

  3. Findings support early postpartum depression screening and targeted psychological support for women affected by hypertensive pregnancy disorders.

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