TY - JOUR T1 - Antibiotic Exposure during Pregnancy and Risk of Prenatal Depression A1 - Sarah Cui A1 - Narendar Manohar A1 - Estie Kruger JF - Bulletin of Pioneering Researches of Medical and Clinical Science JO - Bull Pioneer Res Med Clin Sci SN - 3006-2659 Y1 - 2024 VL - 4 IS - 1 DO - 10.51847/sbNfH5RD7Z SP - 81 EP - 90 N2 - Depression during pregnancy is widespread and can have serious outcomes. Prior evidence has hinted that antibiotic treatment may be linked to depressive disorders. Because many pregnant individuals receive antibiotics, further study of this potential connection is necessary. This study used data from a nationwide, prospective online survey of pregnant participants in their third trimester. Antenatal depressive symptoms (ADSs) were identified by an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of 13 or higher, or by a diagnosed depressive disorder. Among participants, 16.5% (n = 977) reported ADSs, and 37.9% of these individuals had a clinical diagnosis of depression. No significant association emerged between antibiotic exposure and the onset of ADSs. Four independent predictors of ADSs were identified: a prior history of depression, severe nausea and vomiting resulting in inability to eat, emotional abuse from a partner in the past year, and absence of a university qualification. The findings indicate no link between antibiotic use during pregnancy and depressive symptoms. Because undiagnosed depression remains common, new antenatal care strategies targeting individuals with identifiable risk factors may be needed. UR - https://bprmcs.com/article/antibiotic-exposure-during-pregnancy-and-risk-of-prenatal-depression-bbirioc2hu2nlrt ER -