Clinical Overview
Predicting Postpartum Depression: Epigenetic Biomarkers and the Future of Prevention
Postpartum depression is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the United States. Dr. Jennifer Payne shares research identifying epigenetic biomarkers that can predict who is at risk, from a blood test taken in the third trimester of pregnancy.
April 30, 2026
Jennifer L. Payne
Dr. Jennifer Payne, Professor and Vice Chair of Research at the University of Virginia, shares research identifying epigenetic biomarkers that can predict postpartum depression risk from a blood test in the third trimester of pregnancy, with the hope that this will lead to routine clinical care, identifying high-risk patients and preventing postpartum depression in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Postpartum depression is probably the most common complication of childbirth and one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the United States today.
- Research has identified epigenetic biomarkers that are predictive of who is at risk for postpartum depression.
- A blood test in the third trimester of pregnancy can predict who has a higher risk and who has a lower risk of developing postpartum depression. Dr. Payne's hope is that this research will lead to routine clinical care, identifying high-risk patients and preventing postpartum depression in the future.
We can take blood in the third trimester of pregnancy and predict who has a higher risk of developing postpartum depression and who has a lower risk.
From Psychiatrist.com
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