The Association Between Gut Microbiota Diversity and Postpartum Depression

Completed

Conditions studied: Depression During Pregnancy

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07227753

Run by

Massachusetts General Hospital

People needed

30

Starts

2025-11-17

Expected to finish

2026-04-08

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-08

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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

You may not qualify if…

• Gastrointestinal disorders or recent antibiotic use that significantly alters gut microbiome
• Diagnosis of severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder with psychotic features
• Medication use during pregnancy known to influence gut microbiota, including antidepressants, antibiotics, or fish oil
• Refusal to provide rectal swab samples or inability to complete follow-up assessments

Where it is running

• Meikun Wang — Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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