Ketamine during or after C-sections may ease early postpartum depression symptoms, new study suggests

New research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 annual meeting looked at six clinical trials with more than 1,800 women. Those who received ketamine or esketamine during or after surgery had fewer depressive symptoms in the first two weeks after delivery. Researchers say larger studies are still needed.

 

Sources: EurekAlert! / American Society of Anesthesiologists, Oct. 17, 2026