Vaginal or Cesarean: Evaluating the Relationship Between Mode of Delivery and Postpartum Depression

Abstract

Multiple factors that affect the development of postpartum depression have been studied. One of the more controversial ones is mode of delivery, whether a vaginal or cesarean section. Key terms to know for this research review include postpartum depression, cesarean section, and the The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Definitions of postpartum depression differ according to onset and persistence. Eckedal et al. (2017) defined postpartum depression as having an onset at six weeks postpartum and persisting for a year. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “Cesarean birth is the delivery of a baby through incisions made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus” (para. 1). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a screening tool that was originally created as a scale to screen for postpartum depression (Rena Bina & Donna Harrington, 2016, para. 1). The purpose of this Evidence-Based Practice review is to show which mothers would have a higher risk of developing postpartum depression based on their mode of delivery. The results of this review may be able to provide insight for providers planning future treatment of postpartum mothers. In the field of childbirth and maternal care, this information can be used to help predict those who are at risk for developing postpartum depression. Anticipating the development of postpartum depression can help identify at-risk populations of women and help support early treatment. This information can also be helpful for healthcare providers treating women who are suffering from postpartum depression.