Maternal mental health plays a critical role in pregnancy and postpartum outcomes, but there are still many challenges in effectively addressing it in clinical practice. This first episode in our two-part maternal mental health special dives into the integral role that mental health plays during pregnancy and postpartum, focusing on mood and anxiety disorders and their effects on maternal outcomes. Experts discuss screening and diagnosis recommendations and racial and socioeconomic inequities in access to care. Listeners will gain valuable insights on supporting maternal well-being, reducing stigma, and improving screening and diagnosis. David F. Silver, MD, MBA, FACOG, reproductive psychiatrist and director of women’s behavioral health at University of Pittsburg Medical Center Magee-Womens Hospital, and Tiffany A. Moore Simas, MD, MPH, MEd, FACOG, the Donna M. and Robert J. Manning chair in obstetrics and gynecology at University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine, the academic partner of University of Massachusetts Memorial Health, join Labor of Love host Veronica Maria Pimentel, MD, MS, FACOG, to discuss strategies for bettering maternal mental health care.  

Special commentary provided by Karen Sheffield-Abdullah, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM.

Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics related to mental health and health inequities. It may be difficult for listeners who have experienced pregnancy-related complications or who are sensitive to discussions of health care disparities. Take care while listening.