Perinatal depression affects about 1 in 8 new mothers annually in the United States. It can have a devastating effect on the mother as well as the infant.
Risk factors that can be used to identify individuals at risk for perinatal depression include:
- a history of depression
- history of physical or sexual abuse
- unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
- stressful life events
- intimate partner violence
- complications during pregnancy
Additionally, low socioeconomic status, lack of social support, and bearing children during adolescence have been associated with a greater risk of developing perinatal depression after delivery.
The Edinburgh postpartum depression test can screen effectively for your risk of having postpartum depression.
