Mode of delivery and postpartum depression: A systematic review of the literature
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37800/RM.3.2026.813Keywords:
postpartum depression, mode of delivery, cesarean section, vaginal delivery, psycho-emotional status, systematic reviewAbstract
Relevance: Pregnancy, childbirth, and the early postpartum period are associated with considerable physiological and emotional stress and may lead to psychological changes, including postpartum depression (PPD). Women experiencing PPD may face cognitive, emotional, and somatic problems that significantly affect maternal adaptation and the quality of childcare. The influence of the mode of delivery on the onset and development of PPD remains a subject of scientific interest.
The study aimed to analyze the severity of postpartum depression in women with different modes of delivery and to determine significant differences between vaginal delivery and cesarean section.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic search in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases using the study keywords. Eligible sources included full-text articles published between 2019 and 2024 in peer-reviewed scientific journals in English or Russian that compared vaginal delivery with cesarean section.
Results: Early PPD most commonly develops within the first 2 weeks after childbirth, whereas late PPD occurs after 6 weeks. In some cases, PPD may persist for up to one year after childbirth. Major contributing factors may include complicated labor, hormonal changes, and lack of social support. The systematic analysis of publications showed that women who delivered by cesarean section had a higher risk of developing PPD, while negative birth experiences, postoperative pain, and lactation problems played a key role. Social and demographic factors also influenced the risk of PPD.
Conclusion: The mode of delivery influences the development of PPD. Operative delivery may negatively affect the occurrence of PPD, whereas uncomplicated vaginal delivery may reduce the risk of developing PPD. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that includes perinatal psychological support, individual risk assessment, information about pain management methods, and evidence-based planning of cesarean section.
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