Depressive symptoms in pregnancy and associated factors: longitudinal study

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/19820194201700007 Escola de Artes, Ciência e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Hospital do Rim e Hipertensão, Fundação Oswaldo Ramos, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Conflict of interest: no conflicts of interest to declare. Abstract Objective: To identify the frequency of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and verify their association with sociodemographic, obstetric and health variables. Methods: A longitudinal study conducted with 272 pregnant women in 12 health units in the city of São Paulo. Data were obtained using a form for the independent variables, and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale applied at the 20, 28 and 36 gestational weeks. A model of generalized estimating equations was used to evaluate the associated factors and odds ratio. Results: The frequency of depressive symptoms was 27.2%, 21.7% and 25.4%. Higher educational level, planned pregnancy and continuity of gestation were protective factors. Suffering or having suffered psychological violence was an independent risk factor of the gestational period. Conclusion: The frequency of depressive symptoms during pregnancy was high. The associated factors were higher educational level, planned pregnancy, continuity of pregnancy, and suffering or having suffered psychological violence.