Comparison of postpartum depression, anxiety, sleep quality and neonatal outcomes in mothers with pregestational and gestational diabetes

Abstract

Background This study was conducted to compare postpartum depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and neonatal outcomes in mothers with pregestational and gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods Designed as a descriptive, comparative, and prospective study, the sample consisted of 80 mothers (40 with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) and 40 with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)), who were monitored by the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of Balıkesir University Training and Research Hospital in Türkiye. The data were collected using the “Descriptive Information Form,” “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI),” “Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI),” and “Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).” Results In terms of neonatal outcomes, the rate of newborn intervention was 40.0%, exclusive breastfeeding 22.5%, and combined breastfeeding and formula feeding 52.5% in the GDM group. These rates were 37.5%, 25.0%, and 60.0%, respectively, in the PGDM group. The most common neonatal complications among infants of PGDM mothers were hypoglycemia (42.5%), hyperbilirubinemia (37.5%), and large for gestational age (LGA) (27.5%), while in the GDM group, hypoglycemia (42.5%), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (27.5%), and hyperbilirubinemia (22.5%) were most frequently observed. In our study, mothers in the PGDM group had significantly higher scores on both the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory compared to those in the GDM group. Conclusion These results suggest that healthcare professionals should address not only diabetes treatment and monitoring, nutrition, weight management, and exercise during the prenatal and postpartum periods but also monitor emotional issues such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression in mothers with pregestational and gestational diabetes to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.