Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) has adverse effects on psychomotor development of the offspring. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between PPD and psychomotor development in children aged 18 months, consulting in primary care. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study with 360 infants and their mothers. Children had their psychomotor evaluation at 18 months and mothers completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at 4 and 12 weeks postpartum. The prevalence of both PPD and psychomotor alteration was estimated. The association between PPD and psychomotor alteration, including confounding variables, was estimated through logistic multiple regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of PPD and psychomotor alteration was 29 and 16%, respectively. Mothers with PPD had twice the probability of having an offspring with psychomotor alteration (Odds ratio = 2.0, confidence intervals = 1.07-3.68). This probability was significantly higher among single mothers or those with an unstable partner. Conclusions: PPD has a detrimental impact on psychomotor development of children.