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What Is Perinatal Depression?

Author/s: 
Rebecca Voelker

Perinatal depression can occur during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth.

Perinatal depression, also called postpartum depression, affects about 1 in 7 perinatal individuals. More than 75% of these individuals receive no treatment for perinatal depression. Onset of perinatal depression may occur prepregnancy or may develop over the course of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Untreated perinatal depression is associated with an increased risk of suicide and has additional negative effects on the perinatal individual, the fetus (preterm birth, low birth weight), and the child (impaired attachment, which may affect neurodevelopment) and may negatively affect relationships with partners and other family members.

Keywords 
Depressive Disorders Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Patient Information Reproductive Health Pregnancy Postpartum Depression Perinatal Depression

Postpartum Depression-New Screening Recommendations and Treatments

Author/s: 
Tiffany A Moore Simas, Anna Whelan, Nancy Byatt

Perinatal mental health conditions are those that occur during pregnancy and the year following childbirth, whether onset of the condition(s) predates pregnancy or occurs in the perinatal period. Perinatal mental health conditions are the leading cause of overall and preventable maternal mortality and include a wide array of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Perinatal depression specifically affects 1 in 7 perinatal individuals. While commonly referred to as postpartum depression, it is more accurately called perinatal depression because its onset corresponds with prepregnancy (27%), pregnancy (33%), and postpartum (40%) time frames.

Keywords 
Depressive Disorders Pregnancy Obstetrics and Gynecology Women's Health Postpartum Depression
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