Objective: Depressive symptoms during the perinatal period significantly impact mothers and infants. Emerging evidence suggests a connection between gut microbiota and mood regulation. This study investigated whether depressive symptoms are associated with changes in the gut microbiota of women during the perinatal period.
Methods: Thirty-four pregnant women were screened for depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and categorized based on symptom severity. Stool samples were collected during the third trimester and at two postpartum timepoints. All samples underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Results: No differences in SCFA concentrations were observed between groups (p > 0.05). However, postpartum women with moderate to severe symptoms (MS group) had a significant increase in Enterobacteriaceae abundance compared to women with mild or absent symptoms (AM group) (p < 0.05). The Bifidobacterium genus increased significantly in both groups over time (p < 0.05). The MS group showed a reduction in depressive symptoms during psychiatric treatment (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These findings suggest a link between gut microbiota and perinatal depressive symptoms. Further research using microbiome-targeted approaches is needed to understand the broader implications for maternal health.
Keywords: Gut-brain axis; depression; microbiome; perinatal.