Maternal Mental Health

Maternal mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder are the most prominent complications of pregnancy, child birth, and postpartum; affecting 1 in 5 women. According to the CDC, 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression, and 50% of them are untreated.

Maternal mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder are the most prominent complications of pregnancy, child birth, and postpartum; affecting 1 in 5 women. According to the CDC, 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression, and 50% of them are untreated.  

As part of AHA's Better Health for Mothers and Babies initiative, this webpage is designed to provide information, resources and best practices to better support hospitals in addressing maternal mental health. Our efforts also recognize the importance of promoting good mental health for children and adolescents. Visit our Child and Adolescent Mental Health webpage for more resources. 


 

Improving Maternal Mental Health Outcomes

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How Hospitals Can Support Maternal Mental Health

Maternal mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths. This AHA infographic outlines statistics on the impact of maternal mental health, and shares strategies and resources hospitals can use to support those experiencing such conditions.

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Prioritizing the Mental Health of Mothers and Families

Five keys to a successful maternal mental health program

With perinatal mood and anxiety disorders the single largest complication of pregnancy and childbirth, a new AHA infographic highlights five key ways to prioritize maternal mental health based on hospitals with successful programs. The infographic pulls from learnings shared on a podcast and webinar with hospitals that have strong and innovative maternal mental health programs.

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Maternal Mental Health Resources

Sep 16, 2022

Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the trend in new postpartum mental health diagnoses increased significantly in the post-COVID-19 period (0.06 percentage points [95%CI 0.01, 0.11]). Findings point to an urgent need to improve screening and treatment pathways for perinatal individuals in the wake of COVID-19.

Jul 19, 2022
Black women are three to four times more likely to experience a pregnancy or childbirth-related death than White women. The health and well-being of women on their maternal journey – before, during and after childbirth are critical aspects of equitable health care.
Apr 7, 2022
According to latest data from the CDC, the U.S. maternal mortality rate, already significantly higher than in comparable countries, continues to rise, specifically for women of color.
Oct 13, 2021
Joining Aisha Syeda, program manager at the AHA is Dr. Nirmaljit Dhami, the medical director of the inpatient perinatal psychiatry at El Camino Health; and Dr. Alpa Shah, director of the Perinatal Mental Health Clinic at Marshfield Clinic Health System.
Jul 29, 2021
St. Peter’s Health, a non-profit health system in Helena, Montana, serves over 97,000 residents across five counties. The system’s Taking Care of You program connected more than 300 patients experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and their families, with community resources to support their needs.

Get Help Now

If you or a loved one are experiencing an emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide, support is available. The following services provide free, bilingual, confidential support and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can provide emotional support to pregnant and new moms. Please call or text 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA). 

For those experiencing a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

 

In the News

Aug 7, 2023
The Food and Drug Administration approved the first pill to treat postpartum depression in adults, whose symptoms can range from sadness and loss of energy to cognitive impairment and suicidal ideation. Patients would take the drug (Zurzuvae) for 14 days.
Jul 27, 2023
Suicide accounts for one in five postpartum deaths; one in five women experience a perinatal mental health condition; and over half of pregnant women with depression do not receive treatment, according to a new AHA infographic highlighting the grim statistics surrounding maternal mental health, five ways to improve maternal mental health outcomes and recommended resources for providers.
Jun 27, 2023
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has released a free online course to help clinicians address perinatal mental health.

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