These changes in screening recommendations show national recognition of the growing body of evidence of the widespread prevalence of maternal depression, as well as the two-generation impact of untreated maternal depression on both women and their children. Importantly, these new recommendations also acknowledge depression can begin during pregnancy as well as during the postpartum period. If untreated, this can have a devastating impact on women and their children. Most notably, untreated maternal depression can affect maternal mental and physical health, parenting behaviors, birth outcomes, early childhood development and school readiness.
Maternal depression currently affects approximately 13 percent of pregnant women and mothers in the United States. Prevalence rates are substantially greater for low-income women and women of color. Twenty-five percent of low-income women are living with material depression, and it affects 25 percent of women of color compared to 12 percent of white women. Low-income women and women of color, especially Black and Latina women, are also the least likely to receive adequate or any treatment. The disproportionate impact of maternal depression indicates that in addition to being an issue of maternal and child health more broadly, maternal depression is also an issue of health equity.