Support for Perinatal Mental Health at ONE Health Ohio

Understanding Perinatal and Postpartum Depression (PPD)

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are incredibly vulnerable times for mothers, fathers, and children. Emotional concerns and the need for support are at their highest during these stages. Perinatal depression is one of the most under-diagnosed obstetric complications in the U.S. (AAP, 2019).

Causes of PPD

While there is no exact known cause for Prenatal and Postpartum Depression, several factors may contribute:

• Genetics: Depression is more common in individuals whose family members have experienced depression.
• Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, levels of estrogen and progesterone are high. These hormones drop rapidly after childbirth, which may trigger PPD.
• Thyroid Hormones: Low levels of thyroid hormones can also contribute to PPD.
• Other Factors: Unplanned pregnancy, traumatic delivery, preterm birth, lack of support, pregnancy complications, unmet expectations of motherhood, and a history of mental health issues.

Types of Perinatal and Postpartum Mood Complications

Postpartum Depression is often used as an umbrella term, but other psychological and emotional issues can arise during pregnancy and postpartum, including:

• Adjustment Difficulties
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Obsessive Thoughts
• Compulsive Behaviors

These complications can affect women of all cultures, ages, income levels, and ethnicities.

Statistics

• 15-21% of pregnant women may experience moderate to severe anxiety and depression symptoms, which usually require treatment.
• 21% of women experience major or minor depression after childbirth, with rates up to 61% among low-income women and teens.
• 9% of women experience Posttraumatic Stress after childbirth, often due to traumatic delivery experiences.

Special Considerations for Women with Opiate Use Disorder

Pregnant women with opiate use disorder face significant challenges in accessing treatment, prenatal care, and preparing for motherhood. This population often has high rates of trauma and concurrent mental health conditions, requiring comprehensive and coordinated care.

At RISE, we provide responsive, patient-centered care tailored to meet the unique needs of this population. Our guidelines ensure that mothers’ needs are consistently assessed, and care is coordinated across all entities. Our practices aim to support both mother and infant, promoting quality of life, wellbeing, and spirit.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment During Pregnancy

• Reduces Stress on the Fetus: Helps manage withdrawal from short-acting opiates like heroin and pain pills.
• Decreases Overdose Risk: Reduces the risk of overdose for the mother and potential harm to the fetus.
• Reduces Infection Risk: Decreases the risk of infections and exposure to diseases like Hepatitis C and HIV.
• Promotes Safer Practices: Reduces the mother’s engagement in unsafe practices to obtain drugs.
• Encourages Prenatal Care: Increases the likelihood that the mother will receive prenatal care.
• Supports Healthy Birth: Increases the chance of the baby developing to full term and being born at a healthy weight.

If appropriate intervention is not provided, poor maternal mental health can have a long-term negative impact on the mother, child, and family.

By embracing these values and practices, we strive to provide comprehensive support for mothers and their infants during this critical time.

For more postpartum statistics, visit www.postpartum.net

For information on Prenatal Medication-Assisted Treatment including several potential maternal, obsterical and neonatal benefits, visit www.samhsa.gov, www.acog.org and www.mha.ohio.gov.