Depression with risks for spontaneous abortion: a meta-analysis

TL;DR

Depression in women is linked to a higher risk of spontaneous abortion, according to a large meta-analysis of 31 studies.

Contribution

This study provides a comprehensive meta-analysis showing a significant increased risk of spontaneous abortion in women with depression.

Findings

Depression is associated with a 34% higher risk of spontaneous abortion (RR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.27, 1.41]).

The association is consistent across studies and not influenced by antidepressant use.

Subgroup analysis and sensitivity tests confirmed the robustness of the findings.

Abstract

To assess the association between depression in women and the risk of spontaneous abortion (SA) after pregnancy.

Relevant studies were identified through searches of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The pooled effect sizes were presented as relative risk (RR) along with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and data analysis was conducted using the random-effects model.

A total of 31 studies involving 8,919,953 women were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated a significant association between depression and increased risk of SA (RR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.27, 1.41], p < 0.001; I2 = 87%). Sensitivity analysis did not identify outlier studies. Subgroup analysis enhanced the robustness and credibility of the results. Egger regression test revealed a low risk of bias.

Compared to women without depression, women with depression is associated with an increased risk of SA after pregnancy, an association that is unrelated to the use of antidepressant medication.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-025-03484-4.

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