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According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, mental health issues result in more maternal deaths than any other cause. Maternal Health Awareness Day, celebrated on January 23, aims to change that by raising awareness about challenges faced during pregnancy, labor and delivery and beyond.
“Eighty percent of women in the United States will have at least one pregnancy in their lifetime, and half of those are unplanned,” says Dr. Alison D. Hermann, psychiatrist at Weill Cornell Medicine. “Because mental health problems are one of the most common complications of childbirth, it’s vital to educate yourself so you recognize symptoms and take action.”
Maternal mental health issues may begin at any time, from pregnancy through one year postpartum.
A few conditions you may experience include:
If you experience troubling mental health symptoms during or after pregnancy, notify your doctor. A growing number of treatment options improve maternal mental health care outcomes.
Based on your needs, you may benefit from one or more of the following:
Mental health issues don’t always begin during pregnancy. Many women enter pregnancy with pre-existing mental health issues.
If you get pregnant while on medication for depression or another mental health issue, don’t quit your medication immediately. Instead, contact your doctor or other provider. Together, you can develop a plan that takes all involved parties into consideration.
“The most important advice I have is preconception planning,” Dr. Osborne says. “Our job is to minimize the risks to both mother and baby, so we end up with a happy mother and healthy baby.”
Maternal Health Awareness Day helps raise awareness of mental health and other perinatal challenges and reduce maternal mortality rates in the process.
Looking for expert care throughout pregnancy and beyond? Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine today.
