Pre-gestational BMI, obstetric violence, and perinatal mental health: a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) has been associated with obstetric complications and proposed as a psychosocial risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD). However, its relationship with postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD) and perceived obstetric violence has not been sufficiently investigated. We aimed to examine the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and perinatal mental health outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Spain in 2023 using a self-administered online questionnaire completed by 2363 women between one and six months postpartum. Outcomes included high perception of obstetric violence (CARE-MQ > p90), risk of PP-PTSD (PPQ ≥ p90), and PPD (EPDS ≥12). Pre-pregnancy BMI was categorized according to WHO

SUBMITTER: Martinez-Rodriguez S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12770951 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature