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Maternal Mental Health

Mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting 1 in 5 mothers every year in the United States. Suicide and overdose are the leading causes of death in the first year postpartum, and the majority of these deaths are preventable. 75% of women experiencing maternal mental health conditions are left untreated and undiagnosed. These statistics demonstrate the need for additional advocacy, education, and collaboration to better improve maternal health outcomes.

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1 in 5 women experience a mental health issue during the perinatal period1

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Less than 15% receive treatment2

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20% of deaths in postpartum period due to suicide3

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38% of birthing persons reported mental health as the top postnatal complication4

AAMC Maternal Mental Health Learning Series

The AAMC launched a free five-part learning series titled Improving Maternal Mental Health Outcomes: Varied Approaches to Closing the Gap of Care. The goals of the series are to amplify the work of academic medical centers and nonprofit organizations in this space, convene health care providers and experts to share knowledge, and provide key takeaways for attendees. Maternal mental health is an integral part of AAMC’s Action Plan 7 and accessing maternal mental health services remains a barrier for many. Each webinar highlights ways in which academic medical centers and nonprofit organizations are working to fill the gaps of care that birthing people need at such a critical time. Access the recordings, key takeaways, and accompanying resources.

Maternal Mental Health Resources

It is imperative to understand the experiences of pregnant people in order to implement better approaches and policies to improve maternal mental health outcomes. The following resources include research briefs, best practices, and data from the AAMC Center for Health Justice, as well as a timely article from AAMCNews. Also included are resources from other organizations.

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HRSA’s National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free help 24/7 to new mothers, as well as many resources for providers and families.

Mom smiling at newborn at hospital
Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International (PSI) aims to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of maternal mental health issues across the country. PSI provides numerous free resources for pregnant people, their families, and health care providers.

Baby sleeping on mother's chest
Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance

The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting maternal mental health through national advocacy and health equity. Learn more about their latest programs and policy initiatives.

Young African woman holding baby boy with grandmother watching and smiling
Foundations of Responsible NLP Use for Maternal Health Equity

Read about best practices for utilizing natural language processing as a research tool or part of clinical decision support for maternal health.

  • Oct. 24, 2023
mother and child
The Toll of Maternal Mental Illness in America

Learn about the maternal mental health crisis in this country and why many women are unable to access treatment.

  • Dec. 5, 2023
Allison Livingston, who suffered tremendous anxiety during and after her first pregnancy, with 4-year-old Quincey and 5-month-old Ryker near their home in San Diego.
Paid Leave: A Health Justice Imperative for Maternal Mental Health

Read a research brief from the Center for Health Justice that underscores the importance and connection between paid leave and improved maternal mental health outcomes.

  • Nov. 1, 2022
Young family at home with one little child
Polling Spotlight: Understanding the Experiences of LGBTQ+ Birthing People

View a snapshot highlighting the different experiences LGBTQ+ communities face in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum health.

  • June 27, 2022
Mixed race doctor examining pregnant patient’s belly
Research Brief: From Pregnancy to Policy

Read a research brief from the Center for Health Justice’s national maternal health poll released in spring 2022.

  • May 16, 2022
Pregnant woman leaning against a wall
Center for Health Justice’s Maternal Health Incubator

Glance at an overview of the Maternal Health Incubator virtual event that brought together thought leaders to discuss maternal health inequities.

  • May 24, 2022
A young African American mother in a hospital gown gently holds her infant in her arms and smiles down at her. The baby's eyes are closed.
From Pregnancy to Policy One-Page Resource

View a synopsis of the AAMC Center for Health Justice’s national poll on the experiences of birthing people.

  • May 16, 2022
Pregnant African American mother holding stomach in hospital

For more information, email mentalhealth@aamc.org.

  1. Source: Fawcett EJ, Fairbrother N, Cox ML, White IR, Fawcett JM. The Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Multivariate Bayesian Meta-Analysis. J Clin Psychiatry. 2019 Jul 23;80(4):18r12527. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31347796/
  2. Source: Puspitasari AJ, Heredia D, Weber E, Betcher HK, Coombes BJ, Brodrick EM, Skinner SM, Tomlinson AL, Salik SS, Allen SV, O'Grady JS, Johnson EK, L’amoureux TM, Moore KM. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder Management in Multicenter Community Practices: Clinicians’ Training, Current Practices and Perceived Strategies to Improve Future Implementation. J Prim Care Community Health. doi: 10.1177/2150132721996888
  3. Source: Campbell, J., Matoff-Stepp, S., Velez, M. L., Cox, H. H., & Laughon, K. (2021). Pregnancy-Associated Deaths from Homicide, Suicide, and Drug Overdose: Review of Research and the Intersection with Intimate Partner Violence. Journal of women's health (2002), 30(2), 236–244. doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2020.8875
  4. Source: AAMC Center for Health Justice. From Pregnancy to Policy: The Experiences of Birthing People in the United States. https://www.aamchealthjustice.org/media/3391/download?attachment. Accessed September 2023.