Maternal Mental Health
Maternal mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder are the most prominent complications of pregnancy, child birth, and postpartum; affecting 1 in 5 women. According to the CDC, 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression, and 50% of them are untreated.
As part of AHA's Better Health for Mothers and Babies initiative, this webpage is designed to provide information, resources and best practices to better support hospitals in addressing maternal mental health. Our efforts also recognize the importance of promoting good mental health for children and adolescents. Visit our Child and Adolescent Mental Health webpage for more resources.
Improving Maternal Mental Health Outcomes
People Matter, Words Matter Poster – Maternal Mental Health
Using caring and supportive language about maternal mental health
Understanding the prevalence of maternal mental health disorders is an important step in how you interact with patients. The language you use can help remove negative and stereotypical labels and improve encounters with patients.
How Hospitals Can Support Maternal Mental Health
Maternal mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths. This AHA infographic outlines statistics on the impact of maternal mental health, and shares strategies and resources hospitals can use to support those experiencing such conditions.
Prioritizing the Mental Health of Mothers and Families
Five keys to a successful maternal mental health program
With perinatal mood and anxiety disorders the single largest complication of pregnancy and childbirth, a new AHA infographic highlights five key ways to prioritize maternal mental health based on hospitals with successful programs. The infographic pulls from learnings shared on a podcast and webinar with hospitals that have strong and innovative maternal mental health programs.
Maternal Mental Health Events
Maternal Mental Health Resources
Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the trend in new postpartum mental health diagnoses increased significantly in the post-COVID-19 period (0.06 percentage points [95%CI 0.01, 0.11]). Findings point to an urgent need to improve screening and treatment pathways for perinatal individuals in the wake of COVID-19.
Get Help Now
If you or a loved one are experiencing an emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide, support is available. The following services provide free, bilingual, confidential support and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can provide emotional support to pregnant and new moms. Please call or text 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA).
For those experiencing a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.