Recent Headlines & What They Mean for Pregnant People

• Maternal mental health and postpartum risk are rising

A large recent analysis found that in the weeks after childbirth, women face significantly elevated risk of depression — and a sharply increased risk of psychosis early postpartum (up to 6–7× higher in the first five weeks).

At the same time, a U.S.-wide survey (2016–2023) found a noticeable decline in self-reported maternal mental health: fewer mothers rated their mental health “excellent,” and more reported “fair/poor.”

Why it matters: These findings reinforce that the postpartum period — often romanticized as “blissful” — remains a vulnerable time. For perinatal mental health providers and peer-supporters, this data underlines the urgency of screening, outreach, and accessible care during pregnancy and the first year postpartum.

• New guidance on postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)

In October 2025, World Health Organization (WHO), International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), and International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) released updated guidelines to prevent, diagnose, and treat postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) — the leading cause of maternal death globally. The new guidelines lower the diagnostic threshold (from 500 mL blood loss to 300 mL + abnormal vital signs) and emphasize rapid intervention protocols.

Why it matters: Even when birth itself goes “well,” without vigilant post-birth care many complications remain invisible. For therapists, doulas, and perinatal mental–health workers, this is a reminder to encourage—and advocate for—comprehensive postpartum follow-up and medical care access alongside emotional/psychological support.

• Maternal cardiovascular AND mental health: growing awareness of their interplay

A new statement from American Heart Association (AHA) underscores that perinatal psychological health isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s central to maternal cardiovascular health. The group recommends routine screening for mental health during pregnancy and postpartum, arguing that integrated care can reduce risks of heart complications, which remain the #1 cause of maternal death in many contexts.

Why it matters: This bolsters a holistic model of perinatal care — not just mental-health or substance use screening but truly integrated care systems. For providers: an opportunity to collaborate with OB/GYNs, midwives, primary care, and cardiology; for clients: a message that emotional well-being matters for long-term physical health too.

• Black maternal-health disparity widening

Despite overall improvements in some metrics, racial disparities in U.S. maternal mortality remain stark. Recent federal data confirm that Black women died at a rate nearly 3.5 times higher than White women around childbirth in 2023 — a sign that systemic racism, inequitable access, and structural barriers continue to shape who survives and who doesn’t.

Why it matters: As a perinatal mental-health provider committed to equity, this is a call to deepen culturally competent, anti-racist care — not only in therapy but also advocacy, community connection, and systemic change. We must continue working to dismantle barriers to care, especially for Black and BIPOC families.