(462) How Patients with Antenatal Depression Deliver

The median age of patients with antenatal depression was twenty-six years. These patients were more likely to be multiparous and diverse in race when compared to the controls. Patients with depression were more likely to have chronic medical conditions, including chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes mellitus, and anemia. They were also prone to smoke and to use illicit substances, as well as be diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection during pregnancy. Patients with depression were nearly twice as likely to experience threatened preterm labor (OR 1.86 [CI 1.64-1.97]) but less likely to be admitted during their pregnancy (OR 0.72 [CI 0.65-0.79]). Both groups had median gestational ages at term at time of delivery. Reasons for admission differed significantly between groups: patients with depression were more likely to present for an elective induction of labor (OR 1.25 [CI 1.15-1.36]) or elective cesarean section (OR 1.43 [CI 1.29-1.57]). There were significant differences between groups when comparing initial cervical exams, bishop scores, and methods of induction. There was no significant difference in the use of anesthetics. Patients with depression were less likely to experience a cesarean delivery for a failed induction or nonreassuring fetal heart tracing. Patients undergoing an emergency cesarean section were similar between groups.

Conclusion: Patients with depression may be experience complications during their pregnancies and pursue elective delivery, but they are not at increased risk for emergency delivery or failed induction of labor.