The association between body mass index and postpartum depression: A population-based study

First trimester of pregnancy BMI is associated with PPD risk. This risk is further modified by depression history. While low BMI places all women at risk for PPD, being overweight increases risk of PPD only in women without a history of depression. Future research should explore potentially modifiable mechanisms involved in the relationship between PPD and BMI and should also examine interventional strategies for pregnant women at the extremes of BMI and/or with a depression history.