Table 2.

Association between excessive weight gain and postpartum depressive symptoms^a,^b

Pregravid BMI	n (%)	β (Standard Error)c
		Appropriate weight gain(n=250)	Excessive weight gain(n=255)
Underweight (BMI <18.5kg/m2)	54 (10.7)	0.60 (1.28)	−1.16 (1.89)
Healthy weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2)	265 (52.5)	1.00 (reference)	1.32 (0.92)
Overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2)	96 (19.0)	0.95 (1.35)	2.41 (1.06)d
Obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2)	90 (17.8)	−1.26 (1.33)	2.58 (1.08)d

Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index.

^aControlling for age, race or ethnicity, relationship status, dietary habits, physical activity, prenatal depressive symptoms, postpartum weight retention, and study condition.

^bDepressive symptoms were measured using a 15-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. A 3-point response scale ranges from 0 (less than 1 day) to 3 (5–7 days). Total scores range from 0–45, with higher scores indicating greater depressive symptoms.

^cThe beta coefficient indicates how much change in the dependent variable (postpartum depressive symptoms) is predicted by a 1 unit change in the predictor variable (gestational weight gain).

^dP<.05