Suicide in Postpartum Women: Can We Predict Who is at Risk?
Women are at significant risk for severe psychiatric illness after childbirth, particularly during the first three months. Â Suicide is a rare but tragic outcome of untreated psychiatric illness in this setting. Â In order to prevent suicide, we must be able to identify which women are at highest risk for suicide; however, relatively few studies have addressed this important issue. Probably the greatest barrier to being able to define risk factors for [...]
Update on Smoking During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
Some of the most commonly visited posts on our website are related to smoking in pregnant and postpartum women. Â While smoking is a potential problem for all women, rates of tobacco use are higher among women with psychiatric illness. Â Previous studies have indicated that rates of smoking are significantly higher among pregnant women who suffer from depression. Â Rates of smoking during pregnancy are particularly high (greater than 50%) among pregnant women [...]
Weekly Roundup for JUNE 17 2016: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
Several articles provide more data on the risks of marijuana use during pregnancy. Â Screening for postpartum depression in a pediatric clinic is feasible but does not necessarily lead to referrals. Â Have a great summer! Â Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression: An Overview and Methodological Recommendations for Future Research. Pope CJ, Mazmanian D. Depress Res Treat. 2016 Epub 2016 Apr 11. Review. Â Free Article REVIEWED ON OUR WEBSITE Â Maternal marijuana use [...]
Should We Just Say No? Valproic Acid and Women of Childbearing Age
 There have long been concerns regarding the use of the anticonvulsant valproate (Depakote) during pregnancy.  First trimester use of valproate has been associated with a 3-5% risk of neural tube defects, as well as an increased risk of other malformations affecting the heart, limbs, and genitals. Prenatal exposure to valproate may also result in lower IQ and increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in the offspring. Because of these risks, [...]
Preliminary Study: Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnancy and Behavioral Problems in Offspring
The active form of vitamin D is produced by the human body as a byproduct of natural sun exposure; it is also found in certain foods, including some kinds of fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy and grain products.  Certain people – those with decreased sun exposure or diets with low vitamin D – may be more vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency.  Vitamin D deficiency is more common than ever, and [...]
Breastfeeding Status Does Not  Affect Risk for Postpartum Depression
For decades, researchers have postulated a connection between breastfeeding and postpartum depression (PPD). Many have suggested that breastfeeding may protect against postpartum depression and have suggested that the cessation of breastfeeding may be a trigger for postpartum depression and/or anxiety. However, the research examining the association between postpartum depression and breastfeeding has been mixed and somewhat difficult to interpret. A recent study from Canadian researchers has continued to explore the association [...]