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Mental health disorders are a leading preventable cause of maternal death – doctors need to help!

February 28, 2024

It is important that providers caring for pregnant women, and mothers during the post-partum period, screen for and treat mental health disorders. Why? Mental health and substance use disorders are a leading preventable cause of maternal death.

Look at these scary statistics from Lifeline for Moms (https://www.umassmed.edu/lifeline4moms/why-perinatal-mental-health):

* 1 in 5 experience a mental health or substance use disorder during pregnancy or in the first year after delivery. These conditions are one of the most common pregnancy complications.

* 75 percent of women who screen positive for depression receive no treatment.

*Maternal suicide causes 20 percent of postpartum deaths among women with depression.

For women serving in the military, those numbers may be even higher. While the problem has been receiving more attention, there is still a long way to go in protecting new mothers’ good mental health. If you are struggling, please tell your doctor and make sure he or she gets treatment for you.

If you or a family member has been injured by a military healthcare provider who failed to treat depression of other mental problems, we can help. You may e-mail us at LawHelp@MilitaryMedicalMalpractice.com, call us at 877-695-8757 (24/7), fill out the contact form on the right side of this page, or live chat with us on the web site. Free, confidential consultations. There is no fee unless we get a recovery for you.

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Mental health disorders are a leading preventable cause of maternal death – doctors need to help!

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