Neuraxial versus general anesthesia for cesarean delivery and the risk of postpartum depression: a nationwide population-based study
Authors' conclusion
NA for cesarean delivery is associated with a significantly lower risk of PPD compared to GA.
Study context
- Population
- Mothers with first-time cesarean delivery, South Korean National Health Insurance Service database, 2015–2023605,022 matched
- Participants
- 890,801 mothers
- Exposure
- Neuraxial vs general anesthesia for cesarean delivery
- Neuraxial (NA)n = 555,373
- General (GA)n = 335,428reference
- Outcome
- Newly diagnosed postpartum depression (PPD)
- Follow-up
- Within one year
Methodological detailsnationwide population-based, 1:1 propensity score matched
- Nationwide population-based
- 1:1 propensity score matched
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Newly diagnosed PPD (PS-matched)
NA vs GAHazard ratio (95% CI)P value
Newly diagnosed PPD (PS-matched)
0.88(0.85–0.91)
P < 0.001NA vs GAAbsolute risk difference (95% CI)
NNH 353
0.28%(0.21%–0.36%)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | NA | GA | HR (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPD incidence, crude analysis | 1.9% | 2.4% | 0.78 (0.76–0.80) | P < 0.001 | |
| 0.512Hazard ratio (log scale) |
Original publication
Neuraxial versus general anesthesia for cesarean delivery and the risk of postpartum depression: a nationwide population-based study. Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med. Published 3 June 2026. doi:10.
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