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

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A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 annual meeting suggests ketamine given during or after cesarean delivery may ease early postpartum depression symptoms. Ketamine is already used in operating rooms for anesthesia and pain control, but the report describes a potential additional benefit for some new mothers.

Ketamine, a medication used in operating rooms for anesthesia and pain control, may offer another benefit for some new mothers: easing early symptoms of postpartum depression after cesarean delivery (C-section), according to a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 annual meeting.