Prolonged Inconsolable Infant Crying: A Risk Factor for Maternal Depression

Maternal postpartum depression symptoms were significantly associated with crying consistent with colic and prolonged inconsolable crying.

Infant colic is defined by Wessel's criteria — episodes of fussiness and crying lasting >3 hours per day for >3 days per week and lasting at least 3 weeks. Infantile colic typically peaks at age 6 weeks, resolves by the end of the third month of life, and is associated with increased risk for maternal depression. In this study, investigators examined whether maternal depression is more strongly associated with prolonged inconsolable infant crying (>20 minutes/day of crying that cannot be soothed) or infant distress consistent with infantile colic (>3 hours/day).

Researchers recruited 587 mothers shortly before delivery or during the perinatal period. Mothers of infants with medical complications were excluded. At 5 to 6 weeks postpartum, mot…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics