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Maternal Mental Health

Mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting 1 in 5 pregnant and postpartum individuals every year in the United States. Suicide and overdose are the leading causes of death in the first year postpartum, and all mental health-related maternal deaths are preventable. Of the people who experience maternal mental health conditions, 75% are left untreated and undiagnosed. These statistics demonstrate the need for additional advocacy, education, and collaboration, to better improve maternal health outcomes.

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1 in 5 women experience a mental health issue during the perinatal period1

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Less than 15% receive treatment2

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20% of deaths in the postpartum period are due to suicide3

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38% of those who give birth report mental health as the top postnatal complication4

AAMC Maternal Mental Health Learning Series

The AAMC launched a free five-part learning series in the fall of 2023 titled Improving Maternal Mental Health Outcomes: Varied Approaches to Closing the Gap of Care. The series amplifies the work of academic health systems and nonprofit organizations, convenes health care providers and experts to share knowledge, and provides key takeaways for attendees. Addressing maternal mental health is an integral part of the AAMC’s strategic plan, and accessing maternal mental health services remains a barrier for many. Each webinar highlights ways in which academic health systems and nonprofit organizations are working to fill the gaps of care that those who are pregnant and postpartum need at such a critical time. Access the recordings, key takeaways, and accompanying resources.

Maternal Mental Health Resources

It is imperative to understand the experiences of pregnant and postpartum individuals in order to implement better approaches and policies to improve maternal mental health outcomes. The following resources include research briefs, best practices, and data from the AAMC Center for Health Justice, as well as a timely article from AAMCNews. Also included are resources from other organizations.

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Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance

The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting maternal mental health through national advocacy and an emphasis on equal access to health care. Learn more about their programs and policy initiatives.

Young African woman holding baby boy with grandmother watching and smiling
AAMC Outlines Advocacy Recommendations to Address the Maternal Health Crisis

This agenda outlines the AAMC’s recommendations to prevent maternal injury and death and promote equal access to health care.

  • April 23, 2024
  • PDF
A female doctor using a stethoscope on a pregnant woman's stomach
HRSA’s National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

The Health Resources and Service Administration’s National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free help 24/7 to new mothers, as well as many resources for providers and families.

Mom smiling at newborn at hospital
Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International (PSI) aims to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of maternal mental health issues across the country. PSI provides numerous free resources for those who are pregnant, their families, and health care providers.

Baby sleeping on mother's chest
Paid Leave: A Health Justice Imperative for Maternal Mental Health

Read a research brief from the AAMC Center for Health Justice that underscores the importance and connection between paid leave and improved maternal mental health outcomes.

  • Nov. 1, 2022
Young family at home with one little child
Research Brief: From Pregnancy to Policy

Read a research brief from the Center for Health Justice’s national maternal health poll, released in spring 2022.

  • May 16, 2022
Pregnant woman leaning against a wall
Center for Health Justice’s Maternal Health Incubator

Glance at an overview of the Maternal Health Incubator virtual event, which brought together thought leaders to discuss maternal health disparities.

  • May 24, 2022
A young African American mother in a hospital gown gently holds her infant in her arms and smiles down at her. The baby's eyes are closed.
From Pregnancy to Policy One-Page Resource

View a synopsis of the Center for Health Justice’s national poll on the experiences of those who give birth.

  • May 16, 2022
Pregnant African American mother holding stomach in hospital
Foundations of Responsible NLP Use for Maternal Health Equity

Read about best practices for utilizing natural language processing as a research tool or part of clinical decision support for maternal health.

  • Oct. 24, 2023
mother and child
The Toll of Maternal Mental Illness in America

Learn about the maternal mental health crisis in this country and why many women are unable to access treatment.

  • Dec. 5, 2023
Allison Livingston, who suffered tremendous anxiety during and after her first pregnancy, with 4-year-old Quincey and 5-month-old Ryker near their home in San Diego.

For more information, email mentalhealth@aamc.org.

Sources

  1. Fawcett EJ, Fairbrother N, Cox ML, White IR, Fawcett JM. The prevalence of anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period: a multivariate Bayesian meta-analysis. J Clin Psychiatry. 2019;80(4):18r12527. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31347796/.
  2. Puspitasari AJ, Heredia D, Weber E, et al. (2021). Perinatal mood and anxiety disorder management in multicenter community practices: clinicians’ training, current practices and perceived strategies to improve future implementation. J Prim Care Community Health. doi: 10.1177/2150132721996888.
  3. Campbell J, Matoff-Stepp S, Velez ML, Cox HH, Laughon K. (2021). Pregnancy-associated deaths from homicide, suicide, and drug overdose: review of research and the intersection with intimate partner violence. J Womens Health. 2022; 30(2):236-244. doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2020.8875.
  4. AAMC Center for Health Justice. From pregnancy to policy: the experiences of birthing people in the United States. https://www.aamchealthjustice.org/media/3391/download?attachment. Accessed September 2023.