Relationship between inflammatory biomarkers, vitamin D levels, and depressive symptoms in late pregnancy and during the postpartum period: a prospective, observational study

Abstract Background Perinatal depression impacts maternal and fetal health, exhibits a high rate of continuity postpartum. Not only does it impair the quality life, also increases risk adverse birth developmental problems in offspring. Vitamin D deficiency excessive inflammation have been associated with perinatal depression. There is scarcity evidence regarding biological causes Iraq, therefore, present study aims to assess depressive symptoms associations inflammatory markers vitamin levels, investigate interaction between markers. A prospective, observational design was utilized recruit healthy pregnant women from private obstetrics clinic Baghdad, April September 2021. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used measure during third trimester at 6 months Serum levels interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), 25-hydroxy (25-OH-D) were quantified, using fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. Results Eighty patients eligible for inclusion. antenatal EPDS scores demonstrated significant association square root IL-6 ( B = – 0.025, p 0.040) no CRP or levels. severity postpartum tended towards positive association, larger concentration 0.065). In contrast, marital relationship statistically 0.001). 0.041). Antepartum significantly predicted score 0.000, 0.180, R 2 model 0.976, CI (0.17–0.19)). Conclusions findings show concentration. do not correlate poor elevates level. addition, level antepartum predict score. Future studies involving population including pregnancy complications would provide further insight into role etiology