A study of
approximately 800 pregnant women found that their risk of preterm delivery was
higher if they were depressed and it increased with the severity of their
depressive symptoms. Women with severe depression had more than twice the
risk of delivering their babies preterm compared to their non-depressed
peers. Ninety-eight percent of women were not taking
antidepressants. Preterm delivery was defined as less than 36 weeks
gestation. It's the leading cause of infant mortality and
morbidity. The women's mental status was determined in points ten weeks
into their pregnancy.
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