The severity of maternal mental health
May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. During this time, we focus on the well-being of mothers during pregnancy and the period shortly after giving birth. Throughout this time, women experience a form of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. Up to 80% of women report feeling depressed and having negative thoughts in the first few days after giving birth. One in five women develops perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, with 7/10 women downplaying their illness. There can be long-term consequences to both mother and child if this isn’t addressed. These symptoms may come as a shock because mothers have been looking forward to this moment for months. They need to be able to connect with a mental health professional or therapist when these symptoms occur to ensure they get the proper treatment and education. The most effective way to treat these symptoms is through telehealth.
How telehealth supports expecting and new mothers
Telehealth has been a crucial factor contributing to helping mothers manage their mental health. Perinatal depression occurs in “12-18%” of childbearing women, while postpartum depression occurs in up to 20%. These statistics are overlooked, making women question why they feel these symptoms. One study found that “timely access to effective interventions such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy” are effective in helping women manage Postpartum Depression. Telehealth allows them to meet with a mental health professional in a quick turnaround time so that they can solve these problems. Another study found telehealth “promising in preventing and improving postpartum depression”. Speaking to a professional allows women to manage this problem without the stigma or need for medication. Telehealth is proven to support new and expectant mothers in times of adversity.
What Porton Health can do for you
Porton Health is committed to ensuring critical interactions between healthcare providers and mothers through our easy-to-use platforms. Our BookApp allows patients to easily book appointments such as follow-up or intervention appointments which reduces the stress and depression of new or expecting mothers. The upcoming virtual meeting application MeetApp is seamlessly integrated into OSCAR-EMRs to give patients a platform to speak with providers. These applications continue to reduce physical contact and ensure quality care from the comfort of your home.
To learn more about our apps, email us at connect@portonhealth.com.
References:
Khorrami, N., & Ahmadzia, H. (2021). Telehealth and maternal mental health needs. Psychology Today. Retrieved April 21, 2022, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/healthy-mothers-healthy-families-and-healthier-world/202104/telehealth-and-maternal-mental#:~:text=Two%20new%20studies%20show%20that%20telehealth%20can%20significantly,International%20offer%20expectant%20and%20new%20mothers%20emotional%20support
Latendresse, G., Iacob, E., & Murphy, H. (2021). A group Videoconference intervention for reducing perinatal depressive symptoms: A telehealth pilot study. Journal of midwifery & women’s health. Retrieved April 21, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33576146/
World Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day. WMMH Day. (2022). Retrieved April 21, 2022, from https://wmmhday.postpartum.net/
Zhao, L., Chen, J., & Lan, L. (2021, October 7). Effectiveness of telehealth interventions for women with postpartum depression: Systematic review and meta-analysis. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved April 21, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8532017/
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