Boston (SmartAboutHealth) - A new study has found a link between high levels of a hormone, and the development of postpartum depression following a pregnancy.

Researchers have been led by Ilona S. Yim from the University of California, Irvine.

The study was carried out by looking at 100 different pregnant women, and putting them through blood tests.

They then honed in on a particular hormone that was produced by the placenta during pregnancy.

What they found was that the hormone, known as pCRH, was linked to the development of the disorder.

16 of the women developed postpartum depression in the study.

All 16 of these women also had high levels of the particular hormone.

Postpartum depression is fairly common as it impacts 1 out of every 10 pregnant women.

It can lead to depression down the road, as well as health problems for kids.

The study has bene published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.