Association between maternal postpartum depression and children's physical growth in early childhood: a birth cohort study

Background Untreated maternal postpartum depression (PPD) has consequences for children's physical growth, but no published study evaluated changes in this effect over time. Here we therefore aimed to evaluate the dynamic effects of PPD on growth children a prospective birth cohort. Methods Between 2015 and 2019, 960 mother-child pairs Changsha, China were followed up when child was aged 1–48 months. Data obtained through household surveys. The mothers' depressive symptoms measured using Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) at 1 month postpartum. Linear mixed models used examine association EPDS scores with six different age groups between 48 Results A total 604 completed follow-up, 3.3% mothers reported PPD. No associations found weight or height any age. While associated gain ( β = −0.014, 95% CI (−0.025, −0.002), P 0.024) −0.044, (−0.084, −0.004), 0.030) rates 1–3 months, older children. Limitations number who relatively small, measurement not continuously taken. Conclusions After adjustments confounders, growth. scores, contrast, did negatively affect long-lasting.