Postpartum Depression

The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement highlighting the significance of mental health in maternal CV health and provided considerations for pharmacological and behavioral intervention.

A retrospective study demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonist use before pregnancy corresponded with lower risks for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth and cesarean delivery.

The U.S. maternal mortality crisis is driven by various factors, but primary care providers are uniquely positioned to prevent pregnancy-related complications, according to experts.

Women with an unplanned cesarean delivery had increased odds of developing postpartum depression and attending postpartum visits vs. those who delivered via planned cesarean or vaginally, researchers reported.

Mothers taking antidepressants or anti-inflammatory medications had lower protein and fat levels in breastmilk, which may cause health risks for infants, but researchers noted that more studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Exposure to higher ambient temperatures during pregnancy and the postpartum period was associated with increased risk for postpartum depression, highlighting the potential impact of climate change on maternal mental health, data show.

Exercise interventions reduced the risk for postpartum depression and the severity of depression and anxiety in women who recently gave birth, in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed.

Women who reported experiencing homelessness during the year before giving birth were more likely to have delayed prenatal care and develop hypertension, diabetes and postpartum depression vs. women who reported adequate housing, data show.

Prescriptions for benzodiazepines among privately insured postpartum women rose 15% during the pandemic, but diagnoses for postpartum anxiety and depression did not increase during the same period, researchers reported.

Women with vs. without intellectual and developmental disabilities have greater risks for stillbirth and other adverse obstetric, mental health and medical outcomes, according to findings published in JAMA Network Open.