Perinatal Depression: How Do We Define High Risk? (Part 1)
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 suggests that women at increased risk for perinatal depression should be referred for counselling. Â After so many years of advocating [...]
Opioid Use in Pregnant and Postpartum Women: Resources and CDC Expert Commentary
According to a recent analysis of national data by the Centers for Disease Control, the number of pregnant women with opioid use disorder (as documented at the time of delivery) more than quadrupled from 1999 through 2014. Studies of opioid exposure in pregnancy suggest increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes including stillbirth, higher rates of maternal mortality, neonatal abstinence syndrome, and birth defects (including neural tube defects and congenital heart defects). [...]
Weekly Roundup for FEBRUARY 22, 2019: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are relatively common; however, it has been difficult to conduct randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in this population.  This week, we have a couple of RCTs including women with postpartum depression. The first study, from Michael O’Hara and colleagues, compares interpersonal therapy (IPT) to treatment with sertraline or placebo.  The next study (from Boyd and colleagues) is exciting because it uses an innovative approach to reach and [...]
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. Â 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 [...]
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. Â 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. Â [...]