The effect of low-dose esketamine on maternal depression after cesarean delivery.
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology December 1, 2025 Yan Shang, Siyuan Li, Qin Zheng et al. 8 citations
Low-dose intravenous esketamine given during and after cesarean section reduces postpartum depression scores. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 186 women aged 20-50 years, those receiving esketamine (either intraoperatively alone or combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia) showed greater reductions in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores at 5, 7, and 14 days after surgery compared to placebo. Sleep quality, pain scores, and analgesic use did not differ between groups. Mild, temporary side effects were more frequent with combined esketamine and PCIA. The findings suggest esketamine is a safe and effective approach for lowering postpartum depression risk after cesarean delivery.