Preeclampsia Research on Vitamin D, Inflammation, & Depression

This study is designed to comprehensively investigate the anti-inflammatory role of vitamin D in reproductive aged women, and its association with preeclampsia and depression. Findings will have substantial impact providing new information implicated in the development of preeclampsia (a condition that may include hypertension, tissue swelling caused by excessive fluid, and kidney stress) and postpartum depression (after birth). Additionally, the study is designed to understand how early mental health screening and evaluation can help pregnant women reduce their risk of developing postpartum depression. Testing the acceptability and effectiveness of this mental health screening, education and referral program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will provide valuable patient centered qualitative and quantitative data that can be used in future services planning. The study will enroll up to 200 pregnant women (in third trimester of pregnancy) in total.