7 Alarming Maternal Mental Health Statistics (and Tips For Support)

According to the World Health Organization, one in ten women worldwide who are at risk of becoming pregnant suffer from mental health problems during pregnancy and after birth. The most common of these conditions are depression and anxiety, which are included in the group of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD).

Although most perinatal mental health conditions are treatable, these conditions are often underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially among underserved populations. For example, data show that 60% of perinatal women with depressive symptoms do not receive a clinical diagnosis, and half of those with a diagnosis do not receive treatment.

This gap in care is harmful in more ways than one. A 2017 study found that untreated PMADs cost mothers and their children $32,000 over five years, from conception to birth. This study also found that untreated PMADs led to a $3.4 billion increase in social health care costs and a $166 million increase in public assistance costs over the same period.

Untreated perinatal mental health problems can affect the natural parents' ability to function properly, affect the child's growth, and in severe cases, lead to suicide. If you are thinking about harming yourself or another person, including a child, this is a mental health emergency and you should contact the Suicide and Crisis Line by calling or texting 988.

The good news is that most perinatal mental health problems can be managed with treatment and intervention. Much research shows that therapy and other psychosocial interventions, such as exercise and social support, are effective in treating perinatal mental health problems (especially the more common ones, such as postpartum depression).

Charlie Health has highlighted seven of the most alarming mental health statistics that highlight the maternal mental health crisis and the lack of maternal mental health resources. Read on, though, because we also offer some evidence-based advice for addressing perinatal mental health issues. Whether you're pregnant or postpartum, or caring for someone who is pregnant or postpartum, it's important to be aware of maternal mental health and know how and when to get the right mental health help.

1. Most people experience the "baby blues" after giving birth.

Studies show that between 50 and 80 percent of birth parents develop the "baby blues" after birth. This short-term condition usually occurs in the first few days after birth (due to a massive drop in hormones) and improves on its own within a few weeks. Symptoms include depression, anxiety, watery eyes, irritability, poor appetite and trouble sleeping.

2. About a quarter of people with the baby blues develop postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is relatively common, affecting around one in seven people in the year after giving birth. Data show that rates of postpartum depression are highest among people who experience postpartum depression after giving birth, and up to a quarter of people with postpartum depression develop postpartum depression.

3. Half of people with anxiety may have symptoms of postpartum depression

There is a strong link between postpartum anxiety and depression. One study found that 50% of people with anxiety disorders had symptoms of postpartum depression two months after giving birth. Another concluded that two out of three women with postpartum depression had a co-occurring anxiety disorder.

4. 2 out of 10 people suffer from postpartum anxiety

Many cases of postpartum anxiety remain undiagnosed, making it difficult to accurately determine the prevalence of the condition. However, most studies conclude that the rate of postpartum anxiety in the United States ranges between 11% and 21% postpartum.

5. People are about 22 times more likely to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital after giving birth than before pregnancy.

This discovery came from a seminal study published in 1987, which has since been replicated and found accurate by several groups. The study found a significant increase in the risk of psychiatric hospitalizations, particularly for psychotic disorders, during the first 30 days after birth (called "puerperal psychosis"). According to the study, women with a history of manic-depressive illness and new mothers had a higher risk of hospitalization.

6. 4 in 10 people hospitalized for mental health problems before birth were hospitalized after birth.

Previous hospitalizations for bipolar or psychotic disorders are known risk factors for rehospitalization in the postpartum period, according to the study. According to a 2001 study, more than 40 percent of women previously hospitalized for bipolar or psychotic disorders were hospitalized again after giving birth. However, perinatal psychiatric hospitalization remains relatively rare among people without prior psychiatric hospitalization, affecting less than 1% of first-time births, according to the data.

7. Approximately 1 in 5 perinatal deaths is due to suicide

A 2005 study found that suicide has long been the leading cause of maternal death, accounting for 20 percent of postpartum deaths. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 23% of perinatal deaths are due to overdoses related to mental health conditions, including suicide or substance use disorders. In fact, according to the CDC, mental health problems are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, surpassing more commonly discussed physical problems like sepsis and excessive bleeding.

5 tips to support a mother's mental health

As mentioned, with appropriate treatments and interventions, perinatal mental health problems can be treated and mental health-related perinatal deaths can be prevented. Above all, states, hospitals, and communities must ensure that all pregnant and postpartum people recognize the warning signs of mental health crises and have resources to provide mental health support.

If you're pregnant, postpartum, or caring for someone who is, there are also steps you can take to address perinatal mental health issues. Below are some evidence-based strategies to support maternal mental health:

1. Know the warning signs of maternal mental health

Research shows that the sooner you get treatment, the better the chances of recovery. That's why it's important to know the warning signs of common perinatal mental health problems. Consider finding a location-based perinatal or parenting class or using online resources, such as clinical maternal mental health resources.

2. Get enough sleep

While this can definitely be a problem after birth (and during pregnancy), sleep is essential for mental health, and studies show a link between sleep deprivation and the risk of perinatal mood disorders, such as postpartum depression and psychosis.

3. Get your heart rate up

Research shows that exercise can help reduce the effects of anxiety and depression, and that exercise during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of postpartum anxiety and depression. Physical activity does not have to be strenuous; This could mean a walk or a postpartum yoga class, and you should consult your doctor if you have any questions about pregnancy and postpartum exercise.

4. Spend time with friends and family

Research shows that social support is linked to positive mental health after giving birth, so plan to spend time with your loved ones.

5. Ask for help

Stigma and lack of access prevent many people from seeking the perinatal mental health care they need, but remember that seeking help is a sign of courage. Most OB-GYNs rely on perinatal mental health services locally, and online options abound.

This story was produced by Charlie Health and edited and distributed by Stacker Media.

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