Antenatal Depressive Symptoms and Adverse Birth Outcomes in Healthy Start Participants: the Modifying Role of Utilization of Mental Health Services

Objective We examined the association between antenatal depressive symptoms and adverse birth outcomes in Midland Healthy Start (MHS) participants and determined whether receiving mental health services reduced the odds of adverse outcomes among those with elevated antenatal depressive symptoms. Method Data from a retrospective cohort of participants (N=1,733) served by the MHS in South Carolina (2010-2019) were linked with their birth certificates. A score of ≥16 on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was defined as elevated antenatal depressive symptoms. Services provided by MHS were categorized into: 1) receiving mental health services, 2) receiving other services, and 3) not receiving any services. Adverse birth outcomes included preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age. Results Around 31% had elevated antenatal depressive symptoms. The prevalences of preterm birth, low birthweight, and small for gestational age were 9.5%, 9.1%, and 14.6%, respectively. No significant associations were observed between elevated depressive symptoms and adverse outcomes. Among women with elevated antenatal depressive symptoms, the odds for small for gestational age were lower in those who received mental health services (AOR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.72) or other services (AOR 0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.74) compared to those who did not receive any services. The odds for low birth weight (AOR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.93) were also lower in those who received mental health services. Conclusions Receiving screening and referral services for antenatal depression reduced the risks of having small for gestational age or low birth weight babies among MHS participants.