Weekly Roundup for FEBRUARY 15, 2019: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
Back in 2016, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended that all adults, including pregnant and postpartum women, should be screened for depression; the task force has extended those recommendations by stating that all pregnant and postpartum women should be evaluated in order to determine risk for depressive illness and recommends that women at increased risk for perinatal depression should be referred for counselling. The overarching goal is to prevent [...]
Preventing postpartum depression: Start with women at greatest risk
January 30, 2019 from ObGynNews The last decade has brought appropriate attention to the high prevalence of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, with postpartum depression (PPD) constituting the most common complication in modern obstetrics. There have been very substantial efforts in more than 40 states in the United States to enhance screening for PPD and to increase support groups for women with postpartum depressive or anxiety symptoms. However, less focus has [...]
In Brief: Pregnancy Reduces Risk of Alcohol Use Disorder in Women and Their Partners
Because even small amounts of fetal exposure to alcohol have been associated with a constellation of adverse effects, women who are pregnant are counselled to avoid all consumption of alcohol. Women who are pregnant or planning to conceive are highly motivated and often make fairly significant changes in their health behaviors; however, we have seen that abstinence in women with substance use disorders can be difficult to attain and maintain. [...]
New Research from the CWMH: Prenatal Supplement Containing Folate May Reduce Depressive Symptoms During Pregnancy
While there is research to support the reproductive safety of many antidepressants, many woman and their providers ask about alternatives to traditional antidepressants in women who are pregnant or planning to conceive. In a recent study, Dr. Marlene Freeman and colleagues at the Center for Women's Mental Health explored the use of a folate-based preparation --EnBrace HR -- for the prevention and treatment of depression in a group of pregnant women. [...]
Weekly Roundup for FEBRUARY 1, 2019: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
Over the last few years, there has been an increasing number of articles focusing on perinatal anxiety. Recent studies indicate that anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period is common and may occur independently of perinatal depression, although anxiety and depressive symptoms frequently appear together during the perinatal period. This week we have several large studies which look at the impact of perinatal anxiety on children’s development. Polte and colleagues observe [...]
Does Exercise During Pregnancy Prevent Postpartum Depression?
While there is some data to indicate that exercise may improve well-being and diminish symptoms of depression and anxiety, the results have been mixed. A recent randomized controlled trial has explored the efficacy of exercise during pregnancy for reducing the risk of postpartum depression. The Physical Activity for Mothers Enrolled in Longitudinal Analysis (PAMELA) Study was nested in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. A total of 639 pregnant women [...]