Gynecology, Obstetrics and Women Health

Maternal Mental Health & Emotional Well-being

Mental health disorders are among the most common yet least addressed complications of pregnancy and childbirth, impacting up to one in five women globally. Conditions such as prenatal and postpartum depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and postpartum psychosis not only affect the mother's emotional and psychological well-being but also have lasting consequences on infant development, bonding, breastfeeding, and overall family dynamics. Despite their prevalence, maternal mental health concerns often go undetected due to stigma, lack of awareness, and insufficient integration of mental health services into routine obstetric care. Early identification, regular mental health screening during antenatal and postnatal visits, and timely interventions are crucial to reducing the burden of these conditions. Screening tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire  can be effectively implemented in primary and maternity care settings. The goal is to foster a healthcare culture that recognizes emotional well-being as essential to safe pregnancy and motherhood, ensuring every woman receives the compassionate, competent care she deserves before, during, and after childbirth.