Is Anemia During Pregnancy a Risk Factor for Postpartum Depression? A Systematic Review
Keywords:
anemia, antenatal period, iron deficiency anemia, maternal anemia, pregnancy, pregnant postnatal depression, postpartum depressionAbstract
Introduction : Anemia in pregnancy is a global health problem that not only impacts the mother's physical condition, but also has the potential to affect mental health, including postpartum depression. Objective: to examine the relationship between anaemia during pregnancy and the incidence of postpartum depression through a systematic review. Method: systematic review with the PRISMA approach and the PICO framework. Literature research was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Online Library databases. A total of seven articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed based on design, population, intervention, and research results. Results: Most studies found a significant association between anaemia and an increased risk of postpartum depression, with a higher risk in mothers with low hemoglobin levels as well as moderate to severe anaemia. In addition, the timing of anemia, both during pregnancy and postpartum, also affects the risk of depression. Conclusion: Anemia is a factor that is significantly related to the incidence of postpartum depression. Suggestion: early detection of anemia through routine hemoglobin checks, iron supplementation, and depression screening in maternal health services to improve overall health quality.
References
Anokye, R., Acheampong, E., Ainooson, A. B., & Obeng, E. I. (2018). Prevalence of postpartum depression and interventions utilized for its management. Annals of General Psychiatry, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-018-0188-0
Barat, S., Pahlavani, F., Khafri, S., Ghanbarpour, A., & Faramarzi, M. (2025). Association of anemia with postpartum anxiety , depression , and pregnancy outcomes.
Cheng, Z., Karra, M., Guo, M., Patel, V., & Canning, D. (2023). Exploring the Relationship between Anemia and Postpartum Depression : Evidence from Malawi.
Hameed, S., Naser, I. A., Ghussein, M. A. Al, & Ellulu, M. S. (2021). Is iron deficiency a risk factor for postpartum depression ? A case – control study in the Gaza Strip , Palestine. 25(6), 1631–1638. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980021003761
Karmi, R., Hartati, S., Raiah, A., Febrianti, J., & Yulianti, G. S. (2026). Increased knowledge about anemia and its prevention in pregnant women. 5(11), 859–864.
Kemppinen, L., Mattila, M., Ekholm, E., Huolila, L., Pelto, J., & Karlsson, H. (2022). Gestational anemia and maternal antenatal and postpartum psychological distress in a prospective FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-022-05032-z
Khotimah, H., Khasanah, Y. Y., Arofah, N., Basrowi, R. W., Nafilata, I., Doctoral, P., Health, I., Indonesia, U., West, J., Health, F. I., Faletehan, U., Cirebon, T. K., Barat, J., Health, P. P., & Health, V. S. (2025). SCOPING REVIEW : THE EFFECT OF PREGNANCY ANEMIA ON THE 9, 4936–4944.
Kwak, D., Kim, S., Lee, S., Kim, M., Park, H., Han, Y., Cha, D., Kim, M., Chung, J., Park, B., & Ryu, H. (2022). Maternal Anemia during the First Trimester and Its Association with Psychological Health. 1–13.
Loussert, L., Deneux-Tharaux, C., Sentilhes, L., Froeliger, A., Seco, A., Bonnet, M. P., & Tebeka, S. (2025). Association Between Post- Partum Anaemia and Depressive Symptoms at Two Months After Vaginal Delivery: A Secondary Analysis of the TRAAP Trial. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 2025;132:1644–1654. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.18289
Meiriska, I. P., Anggraini, D., & Susanti, M. (2019). The Relationship of Serum Ferritin Levels in Pregnant Women with Newborn Weight at RSI Siti Rahmah Padang in 2018-2019.
Mishra, L., Malick, U., Pattnaik, T. K., & Tripathy, P. (2025). Association of Maternal Hemoglobin Levels with Pregnancy Outcomes : A Global Overview. 1(1), 1–12.
Mohammed, M. J. (2019). original research article original research article open access association between maternal anemia and postpartum depression. 09(December 2017), 25667–25669.
Tian, Q., Chen, S., & Jiang, D. (2022). Effects of anemia during the third trimester of pregnancy on postpartum depression and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women older than 35 years : a retrospective cohort study. 11(3), 1048–1057. https://doi.org/10.21037/apm-22-165
Utomo, D. (2023). Factors Related to the Incidence of Anemia in Pregnant Women Factors Associated with Anemia in Pregnant Women. 7(2), 303–308.
WHO. (2025). WHO Global Anaemia estimates, 2025 Edition. The Global Health Observatory. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/topics/anaemia_in_women_and_children
Wijayanti, P., Bainuan, L. D., & Yuliana, N. A. (2024). Relationship Between Pregnancy Anemia and Depression in Postpartum Mothers : Systematic Review. pp. 9, 849–856.
Winengsih, E., & Ariesta, F. Y. (2025). ANEMIA COUNSELING AS A PREVENTIVE EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF PREGNANT WOMEN. Journal of Abadimas Adi Buana, Vol. 9 No.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2025). AnaemiaPolicy Brief. Global Nutrition Targets 2025. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-NMH-NHD-14.4#:~:text=Overview,Español
Xu, F., Roberts, L., Binns, C., Sullivan, E., & Homer, C. S. E. (2018). Anaemia and depression before and after birth : a cohort study based on linked population data. 1–12.
