---
title: Does having PMS increase the risk of depression after having a baby?
description: Yes. Women with a history of PMS were about 1.8 times more likely to develop depression in the six weeks after giving birth compared to those without PMS.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/family-caregiver-role-and-premenstrual-syndrome-as-associated-factors-for-2008/
---

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- Does having PMS increase the risk of depression after having a baby?

Survey study, 2008

# Does having PMS increase the risk of depression after having a baby?

Yes. Women with a history of PMS were about 1.8 times more likely to develop depression in the six weeks after giving birth compared to those without PMS.

 Early or limited evidence

334 women six weeks after childbirth in a hospital setting

## What they did

Women coming for routine check-ups six weeks after childbirth completed a depression screening. Those screening positive and a random sample of those screening negative were interviewed in detail to diagnose postpartum depression.

## What they found

334 women were interviewed and 100 were diagnosed with postpartum depression. Women with a history of PMS had 1.8 times higher risk of postpartum depression. Being a family caregiver for disabled or ill relatives increased risk 4.4 times. Previous depression, poor partner relationship and low social support also increased risk.

## What it means for you

If you have PMS, you may face higher risk for depression after having a baby. Doctors should screen pregnant women with a history of PMS for depression risk. Having to care for disabled or ill family members significantly increases the risk even further.

100 of 334

diagnosed with postpartum depression

1.8 fold

increased risk with PMS

4.4 fold

increased risk as caregiver

## About the study

Original title Family caregiver role and premenstrual syndrome as associated factors for postnatal depression Authors Garcia-Esteve L, Navarro P, Ascaso C et al. Journal Archives of women's mental health Year 2008 Study design Survey study What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s00737-008-0012-y](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-008-0012-y)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Pregnancy and postpartum](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-postpartum/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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