MOMMA. Multi-centered On-going Mothers Monitoring Algorithm for perinatal behavioral health

Depression during pregnancy and after delivery is a problem for the mother and poses a threat to the health of the fetus, the infant, and the family members. Low birth-weight babies have an increased risk for impaired cognitive function, cardiac disease, vascular disease, and diabetes. The incidence of depression during pregnancy and after delivery transforms an individual psychological problem into a problem of public health. The Multi-centered Ongoing Mothers Monitoring Algorithm for Perinatal Behavioral Health offers a structured approach to diagnosis and treatment of depression during pregnancy and after delivery. MOMMA serves as a model of care which can be offered to other hospitals.