Caesarians increase risk of postnatal depression

A major new study conducted by the University of York, and published in the Journal of Health Economics, provides new evidence that emergency C-sections put new mothers at greater risk of experiencing mental health problems after giving birth.

The study has revealed first-time mothers who give birth via unplanned caesarean section are 15% more likely to experience postnatal depression. Furthermore, the numbers of C-sections performed worldwide have increased dramatically in many developed countries over the past few decades

The author of the study is calling for more mental health support for women whose babies are delivered via emergency caesarean section, or C-section � a surgical procedure usually carried out because of complications during labour.

Read more here at Hospital and Healthcare.

                                                           Source: Hospital and Healthcare

Thinking beyond maternal mortality

In 2012, WHO initiated a five-year project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with the aim of developing the evidence base on maternal morbidity through improving the scientific basis for defining, measuring (and estimating), and monitoring it.  The aim was to close the gap between measuring morbidity for programmatic purposes and assessing its actual impact on a woman's life The International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics has published a new Supplement on reconceptualising and measuring maternal morbidity, published in conjunction with the WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research as a result of the project.

2018, May. Thinking beyond maternal mortality: Re-conceptualizing and measuring maternal morbidity. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 141(S1) Free to download here.    

Depression During and After Pregnancy

Many women experience depression during and after pregnancy, and it�s important to learn the symptoms of depression and to seek treatment if needed. Some people may experience a few symptoms, and others might experience many. How often symptoms occur, how long they last, and how intense they may feel can be different for each person.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a feature article with information about maternal depression and treatment.