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UK Wedding News

02/10/2018

Postnatal Depression Linked To Fewer Daylight Hours

Women in the later stages of pregnancy during darker months of the year may be at a higher risk of postpartum depression after giving birth, according to a new study.

Reduced exposure to natural light has long been linked to adult depression, but recent research is exploring whether pregnant women's exposure to light influences their mental health after they give birth.

The study was conducted by San José University in the US by Deepike Goyal who said: "Women should get frequent exposure to daylight throughout their pregnancies to enhance their vitamin D levels and to suppress the hormone melatonin.

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"Daily walks during daylight hours may be effective in improving mood."

The study analysed 293 women based on their sleep patterns, their exposure to natural light in the final trimester of pregnancy and other risk factors.

Overall, participants had a thirty percent chance of developing depressive symptoms which suggests that light exposure in the final month of pregnancy and just after birth is a major influence on the likelihood of developing the condition.

Women in the study who were at the lowest risk of depression had a final trimester of pregnancy that coincided with longer daylight hours.

(JG/MH)

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"Women in the later stages of pregnancy during darker months of the year may be at a higher risk of postpartum depression after giving birth, according to a new study."