Postpartum Depression

Data Highlight:

Postpartum depression can arise anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 year after giving birth. Misconceptions about the timing of the postpartum period often lead to underreporting of postpartum depression. 96

Why We Care:

Pregnancy and birth are physically and mentally demanding. During pregnancy and after giving birth, hormones and sleep patterns change, and new stresses can emerge like additional financial concerns, returning to work, and finding and paying for reliable childcare options. Additionally, if a woman has experienced depression-like symptoms before pregnancy, those symptoms can reemerge or increase during pregnancy. If a woman is able to access prenatal health care during pregnancy, a primary care physician or obstetrician can help address these symptoms. However, postpartum depression can arise anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 year after giving birth. 96,97 Some Oklahoma women, that are eligible for SoonerCare, Oklahoma’s Medicaid, will lose their healthcare coverage just two months after they give birth. 96,97 Limited coverage during the postpartum period means that for many Oklahoma women, they have one follow up appointment with a doctor, but then do not have contact with a medical professional who can help diagnose and treat any postpartum mental health issues that arise. 96 In 2019 the Oklahoma state legislature passed SB 419 requiring physicians to screen women for depression during pregnancy and pediatricians to screen mothers during their children’s well baby visit, which will help ensure that clinicians screen for postpartum depression. 98

What We Can Do:

- More intentionally publicize and support the enrollment processes for private, Tribal, and public (SoonerCare, Insure Oklahoma) insurers along with other localized resources providing pathways for early entry into prenatal care - Ensure that implementation of Medicaid expansion includes comprehensive coverage for postpartum mental health services

DEFINITION

The percentage of women with a recent live birth who reported experiencing depressive symptoms in 2016-2017.96

15 percent

12.5 percent

OKLAHOMA

NATIONAL AVERAGE

Lookbook Vol. 2

p. 61