Maternal depression after delivery in Oklahoma

The reduction of depression after delivery is one of the Healthy People 2010 targets. Postpartum depression (PPD) can inhibit care-giving practices and mother-child bonding and can lead some women to harm themselves. This study will examine correlates of maternal depression after delivery and associated stressors and will provide recommendations to address this issue in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data were used to estimate prevalence among demographic groups and related behaviors. Logistic regression modeling was used to produce adjusted odds ratios (p < 0.05) for factors and predictors associated with depression after delivery.

One in four new mothers reported symptoms of maternal depression within two to six months postpartum. Women 20-24 were twice as likely to indicate symptoms of depression when compared to women 35 or older; adolescents were 2.5 times as likely. Stressors found to increase the risk of depression symptoms were having an unintended pregnancy, arguing with a partner more than usual during pregnancy and having bills they could not pay. Receiving a postpartum health checkup was protective against postpartum depression symptoms.

Every postpartum woman in Oklahoma should be screened for PPD using a valid and reliable scale. Providers should discuss the risks of PPD with pregnant women as a routine part of their prenatal care and encourage women to receive their postpartum health checkup within six weeks of delivery.