Maternal Mental Health
Many women experience some level of depression during and after pregnancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates, up to 80% of all new mothers experience “postpartum blues” in the first couple weeks after birth. About 1 in 5 women have more severe perinatal depression during pregnancy or up to a year after birth. (One in 10 men get postpartum depression, too.)
Perinatal mood disorders are a common and natural part of childbearing, caused by fluctuations in hormones related to pregnancy, and the mental/emotional impacts afterward. These disorders have been identified and studied for centuries, but targeted information campaigns are relatively new to widen public understanding of these critical mental health issues that affect families and communities. Even in just the past 10 years, there has been a culture shift in how people talk about postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders, how doctors screen for these disorders, and how patients can access care. However, misperceptions and discrimination continue – and many birthing people still struggle to identify their mental health concern and find timely care.
The implications and impacts of inadequate maternal mental health care are far-reaching. Everything from early childhood learning and development, to infant mortality, to issues of women’s equity in the workplace can be tied to maternal mental health outcomes.
May 3-9, 2021, is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in the United States. Below, we’ve linked to a variety of articles and resources to learn more about this issue and find access to care.
Here’s a great public radio piece from our colleagues at NPR about to help recognize and treat symptoms.
Other informational resources about perinatal (prenatal and postpartum) mental health linked below:
Organizations that focus on perinatal mental health: