Perinatal depression and maternal and infant mortality

Abstract

Depressive episodes during gestation and the postpartum period are highly prevalent, especially in low- and middle-income countries, with serious consequences for the mother-baby binomial (Gelaye et al., Lancet Psychiatry, 2016; 3 (10): 973- 982). Suicide rates during the postnatal period are similar to those observed in other phases of the female life cycle, which speak against the common sense that gestation and motherhood would be protective events for the occurrence of mental disorders (Surkan et al. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol, 2016; 36: 156-168). In addition, although there are few studies, there is evidence to suggest an association between maternal depression and infant mortality (Surkan et al., Best Practice Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol, 2016, 36: 156-168). Estimates of the association between maternal depression and maternal and infant mortality are particularly important in low- and middle-income countries where other risk factors due to unfavorable socioeconomic conditions are more prevalent. This information can contribute significantly to the adequate planning of public policies aimed at the protection of the mental health of mother and child.Thus, Perinatal depression and maternal and infant mortality, aimed at: (a) investigating the association of maternal depression, identified during pregnancy and/or in the postpartum, with information on the deaths of mothers and children, thus constituting two cohorts, and (b) identification, a five-year period, of biological, clinical, and social factors associated with mortality of depressed mothers during gestation and/or the postpartum period and their respective children, compared with euthymic women during gestation and postpartum. (AU)