Conclusion
This study suggests little evidence to support an association between
early pregnancy BMI and antenatal depression and anxiety in South Asian
or White British women in this population. Smoking was found to be an
important risk factor for antenatal depression and anxiety, particularly
among South Asian women who have higher rates of antenatal depression.
Further research should focus on South Asian women using validated
depression and anxiety measurement tools for this population and
Asian-specific BMI criteria.