Abnormal screening for gestational diabetes, maternal mood disorder, and preterm birth

Objective Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects 7% of pregnant mothers, and those with GDM have increased rates of perinatal complications. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and its pharmacologic treatments are associated with obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this prospective study, we investigated the relationship between abnormal GDM screens, maternal mood disorders, and adverse outcomes. Methods We examined mothers with MDD, those with bipolar disorder (BD), and healthy controls (HC) at 20, 30, and 36 weeks of gestation and delivery. We obtained demographic data and pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and confirmed diagnoses with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV. We evaluated smoking, alcohol use, substance use, and medication treatments with the Longitudinal Interval Follow‐up Evaluation interview. Mothers received the one‐hour 50‐g glucose challenge test (GCT) at 26–28 weeks of gestation. Outcome variables were preterm birth, birth weight (BW) and peripartum events. Results We enrolled 62 HC, 50 BD, 41 past MDD, and 39 current MDD mother–infant pairs. Mean GCT levels and the frequency of abnormal GCT (>140 mg/dL) did not differ across groups. Rates of smoking (χ2 = 20.68, df = 3, p