The Association Between Gut Microbiota Diversity and Postpartum Depression

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