PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The medical term peripartum depression describes depression that occurs during pregnancy and/or the 12 months after delivery. It is extremely common, but what many people don't know is that overall mental health conditions accounted for almost 23% of pregnancy-related deaths from 2017 to 2019.
To put this into context, this has a higher mortality than any other pregnancy-related condition. The best protection is getting help and not ignoring the issue.
Major medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend routine screening, but if you feel that you have feelings of depression, take the time to discuss it with your doctor. You are not alone and there are many tools we have to help.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
