Doctors Pushed To Increase Depression Testing For Pregnant Women And New Moms

Jan 19, 2019

In a recent statement of policy, the American Academy of Pediatrics urged pediatricians around the United States to be very observant of the depression levels of perinatal women. Perinatal depression affects women both before and after pregnancy and may last as much as a year after the baby has been delivered.

One out of every nine women in America has a problem with depression during pregnancy and after their baby is born. This report was released on the AAP’s website. Some states’ statistics show that up to one in five women have problems with depression during and after their child is born. These statistics were collected by the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Unfortunately, it is estimated that about half of the women with perinatal depression go untreated as well as undiagnosed.

The recent reports caused the new AAP policy to be put in place. The authors of this new policy believe that screening for depression isn’t done due to the stigma attached to having mental health conditions, the patient being reticent to admit their struggles and a lack of depression awareness training on the part of providers.

Mothers fear being judged if they are depressed. They also worry that they will be deemed a bad mother if they are diagnosed as having perinatal depression. Unfortunately, undiagnosed and untreated perinatal depression affects the mom and her developing child. Maternal depression causes issues with a child’s brain development and the baby’s medical treatment.

The AAP is now recommending that doctors screen expectant mothers for depression at least one time during the pregnancy. Expectant moms also need to be tested again at the baby’s first, second, fourth and six-month checkups. Pediatricians need to be aware and look for signs of maternal depression during these appointments.

Fathers also experience post-partum depression. They need to be screened for signs of this mental health issue just as much as mothers do. People don’t always think of fathers as having postpartum depression, so medical personnel doesn’t look for signs of sadness in the baby’s new father.

One of the ways recommended by some experts to eliminate perinatal depression is to help out the new mom and dad. Also, one of the most helpful actions a person can take is to check their expectations of the new parents and to be reasonable about these expectations.

Some of the ways a parent or friend can genuinely help the new parents and new baby cope are:

1. Don’t expect the new parents to socialize or go out as much as they once did before the baby was born.
2. Don’t judge how the new parents handle the baby or take care of the baby.
3. Do drop off prepared meals for the new parents.
4. Text or email the new parents rather than calling them on the phone. This way, they can respond when it’s convenient for them.
5. Offer to watch the baby while the parents take a nap.
6. Listen to both mom and dad without judging. Offer suggestions rather than telling them what to do.

If you or someone close to you has had problems with perinatal depression, the first action to take is to realize you have a problem. Then seek help from your gynecologist, pediatrician, or your general health care provider. You deserve to feel your best while you take care of your newborn.

What are your best tips for a mother or father of a newborn? Do you have any suggestions on getting enough rest or taking care of yourself while you care for the baby? Please reach out to new parents in the comments below.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!