It doubled in a decade.
A recent analysis reveals that postpartum depression rates among American women have more than doubled in just over a decade.
In 2010, approximately 9.4% of new mothers experienced postpartum depression, but by 2021, that figure had risen to nearly 19%, according to a study by researchers at Kaiser Permanente Southern California.
The sharp increase in postpartum depression cases may be partly due to improved detection and reporting, the researchers suggest. However, rising obesity rates during pregnancy might also contribute, as obesity has long been recognized as a risk factor for postpartum depression.
Regardless of the causes, Dr. Darios Getahun and his team, who led the study, emphasized that the prevalence of postpartum depression is both high and growing. The study’s findings were published on November 20 in JAMA Network Open.
Postpartum depression, as defined in the study, is a mental health disorder that occurs within 12 months after childbirth. Symptoms can include sadness, anxiety, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. In more severe cases, it can affect a mother’s ability to bond with her child, interfere with breastfeeding, and lead to further health complications. In extreme situations, postpartum depression can result in suicide or infanticide.
The researchers tracked postpartum depression rates among over 442,000 pregnancies in California between 2010 and 2021. The women in the study, who had an average age of 31, were diverse in terms of ethnicity and background.
The study found a significant increase in diagnosed postpartum depression cases over the 11-year period. A large part of this increase may be attributed to growing awareness and recognition of the disorder, along with better screening practices.
In particular, guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which recommend routine postpartum depression screenings during well-child visits, may have helped boost detection. The AAP now recommends screenings when babies reach 1-2, 4, and 6 months of age.
Obesity is another factor that could be contributing to the rise in postpartum depression. By 2021, 17% of mothers of normal weight, 19.8% of those who were overweight, 21.2% of those with lower obesity levels, and 24.2% of those with severe obesity reported experiencing postpartum depression.
This increase in postpartum depression has coincided with a rise in obesity rates among pregnant women in the U.S. over the past decade. Previous research has consistently shown higher rates of postpartum depression among women with higher body weights.
The findings offer important insights for shaping future public health strategies aimed at improving maternal health and supporting the well-being of both mothers and their children.
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