Gut bacteria and mood after cesarean delivery
The Association Between Gut Microbiota Diversity and Postpartum Depression： A Prospective Pilot Study
Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT07227753
This project will test whether patterns of gut bacteria before and after cesarean delivery are linked to mood changes, including postpartum depression, in pregnant people.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT07227753 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot observational study will enroll adults (≥18 years) planning cesarean delivery at Massachusetts General Hospital and collect blood and rectal swab samples within three days before delivery and within two days after delivery. Investigators will use metagenomic sequencing to profile gut microbial composition and measure inflammatory markers in blood, while validated questionnaires will record depressive symptoms at both time points and again at six weeks postpartum via the electronic medical record. The study will compare microbial diversity and specific bacterial patterns between participants with and without early postpartum depressive symptoms to identify potential microbiome-based biomarkers. Results aim to clarify whether microbial shifts around delivery are linked to mood changes after childbirth.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Pregnant individuals aged 18 or older at ≥36 weeks who plan cesarean delivery at Massachusetts General Hospital and can provide informed consent, blood samples, and rectal swabs are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with recent antibiotic use, certain gastrointestinal disorders, or who are taking medications known to alter the microbiome (including antidepressants or fish oil) are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify people at higher risk for postpartum depression earlier, allowing quicker monitoring and support.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior research links gut microbiome patterns with depressive symptoms, but applying metagenomic profiling to predict postpartum depression after cesarean delivery is relatively novel and not yet proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * 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 this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Meikun Wang — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jingping Wang, MD PhD
- Email: jwang23@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6179369136
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Depression During Pregnancy, depression, postpartum