Maternal Mental Health Among Utah Women

Pregnancy, giving birth, and caring for a newborn are challenging. Most mothers naturally experience the “baby blues” during the first two weeks after delivery, when they report feeling anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or weepy. Usually, these symptoms resolve on their own within two weeks. Some women, however, experience mental health concerns beyond the baby blues, such as postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) is a term used to encompass a range of disorders that can occur during pregnancy or up to one year postpartum. This episode highlights a Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) research snapshot that summarizes data about PMADs in Utah, reviews relevant information for patients and healthcare providers, and aims to raise awareness about this issue so that more women receive appropriate screening and care. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Rachel Denton, a licensed social worker, and Madison Harmer, a graduate research assistant.