A new study suggests that women using hormonal contraceptives after childbirth are up to twice as likely to develop postnatal depression. Experts urge healthcare providers to inform new mothers of this increased risk when discussing contraception, enabling informed decisions.
The NHS warns that women can conceive as early as three weeks after childbirth, even if breastfeeding and without menstruation. Many opt for contraception to prevent short intervals between pregnancies, which can lead to higher risks of preterm birth and low birth weight.
The study, conducted by researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital–Rigshospitalet, analyzed data from over 610,000 women who gave birth in Denmark between 1997 and 2022. Forty percent of the women started using hormonal contraception within a year of giving birth. The analysis found that those using contraception were 49% more likely to be diagnosed with depression or prescribed antidepressants within the year, increasing the absolute risk from 1.36% to 1.54%.
The risk varied based on the type of contraception. Women using combined oral contraceptives, such as the pill, were 72% more likely to develop depression, while those using combined non-oral contraceptives, like patches or rings, had a 97% increased risk. Progestogen-only contraceptives showed a 40% higher risk.
The findings raise concerns about whether routine contraception use is contributing to postpartum depression, which should be considered during counseling.
Dr. John Reynolds-Wright from the University of Edinburgh emphasized that while there is a slight increased risk of depression, the benefits of postpartum contraception, such as spacing births and improving reproductive health, should also be considered.
Related topics:
