Find Postpartum Depression Clinical Trials Near You
The Association Between Gut Microbiota Diversity and Postpartum Depression： A Prospective Pilot Study
Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Study Type: Observational
SUMMARY
This study aims to examine whether naturally occurring bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract are associated with mood changes following childbirth, including postpartum depression. Biological samples will be collected before and after delivery to determine whether specific patterns in gut bacterial composition are linked to emotional states. The purpose of the research is to improve understanding of whether such microbial changes can help identify individuals at higher risk for postpartum depression, enabling earlier recognition and intervention.
Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: Female
Minimum Age: 18
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:
• Age 18 years or older
• Gestational age at least 36 weeks, planned cesarean delivery
• Ability to understand study procedures and provide informed consent
• Voluntary agreement to participate in the study
Locations
United States
Massachusetts
Meikun Wang
RECRUITING
Boston
Contact Information
Primary
Jingping Wang, MD PhD
jwang23@mgh.harvard.edu
6179369136
Time Frame
Start Date:2025-11-17
Estimated Completion Date:2026-05
Participants
Target number of participants:30
Treatments
High-Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale cohort
Pregnant participants with antepartum Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; range 0-30; higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms) ≥13. Peripheral venous blood (serum) and rectal swab collected ≤3 days pre-delivery and ≤2 days postpartum; optional 6-week follow-up. Observational only-no interventions assigned.
Low-Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale cohort
Pregnant individuals with antepartum Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS; range 0-30; higher scores indicate more depressive symptoms) \<13; same specimen collection and follow-up schedule as the high-EPDS cohort; no interventions assigned.