Abstract

Objective: To determine causes and risk factors leading to depression and mood swings among pregnant females visiting antenatal clinics of teaching hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: 907 pregnant females were included in study, from antenatal clinics of teaching hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan during January to December 2016. Study follows descriptive, cross-sectional design. Demographic profile was recorded on a questionnaire. The measurement tool for depression was Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, linear regression and Chi- square test. Results: The women with mean age 26.44.4 were included in study. 80.5% females had depression during antenatal period. Depression score was calculated in each trimester and it was 67.9%, 83.5% and 85.8% respectively. There was significant increase in depression as pregnancy progresses (P value 0.001).The regression analysis showed the risk factors, patient’s education (OR 4.67, 95% confidence interval, 1.97 to 11.07), husband’s education ( OR 4.67, 95% CI, 1.9 to 11.07), husband’s employment( OR 4.67, 95% CI, 1.9 to 11.07), , family size( OR 4.67, 95% CI, 1.9 to 11.07), , History of miscarriages( OR 4.67, 95% CI, 1.9 to 11.07), , number of pregnancies ( OR 4.67, 95% CI, 1.9 to 11.07). Conclusion: Depression is quite common among females during antenatal period, which increases as pregnancy progresses. The risk factors responsible for it are husband and wife’s education, family size, number of pregnancies, history of abortions, monthly income and family financial status. Screening and diagnosis of depression and provision of special care to patient improves the healthy progression of pregnancy. Key Words: depression, pregnancy, females, causes.

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