Mental Health and Postpartum Mortality in the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

Mental health concerns have increased significantly over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic while disproportionately affecting young adults and females. Concerns regarding social isolation, financial and food security have contributed to this rise, further widening the gap of social disparities. Additionally, mental health disorders are now acknowledged as one of the top attributable factors in the rising maternal mortality crisis in the United States. Postpartum depression is a significant risk factor for suicidal behaviors, both of which has been climbing over the last decade with suicidal ideation doubling among pregnant women. This has led to the search for potential points of intervention, including postpartum emergency room visits as a key area to develop. Furthermore, over three quarters of maternal deaths related to mental health occur after 6 weeks postpartum, which highlights the disparity created by the short 60-days postpartum Medicaid coverage. During the pandemic, postpartum depression prevalence increased from 11% pre-pandemic to 37% in the United States. Although the true impact of COVID-19 on mental health attributable maternal mortality is still evolving, there will no doubt be a long-lasting effect. It is imperative that public health leaders advocate in this critical time to support our dying mothers.