Screenings and Other Efforts to Combat Postpartum Depression Recommended for Mothers

March 11, 2025

With more than half of maternal deaths in the U.S. occurring during the postpartum period, Pennsylvania state officials are calling postpartum screenings and more urgent referrals for mental health care a priority.

In a recent press conference at Allegheny Health Network's (AHN) Alexis Joy D'Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health, officials from the Pennsylvania departments of Human Services, Health, and Drug and Alcohol Programs joined leaders from AHN and UPMC to highlight Governor Josh Shapiro's proposal in this year's budget to implement universal postpartum depression screenings for all Pennsylvania moms.

“Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders impact about one in five birthing women each year, with consequences that extend far beyond the mother’s well-being—children and partners are affected, too,” said AHN Women’s Behavioral Health, Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Institute Medical Director Dr. Ewurama Sackey. “By providing new mothers with the resources and support they need to thrive, we are saving lives, investing in healthier families, and building stronger communities.”

Here are some key takeaways:

• Dangers persist after delivery:  Postpartum depression can occur weeks and months after childbirth, where mothers experience a broad range of symptoms including but not limited to sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, change in appetite, difficulty in sleep, mood swings and thoughts of self-harm that may make it difficult to carry out daily tasks, including caring for themselves and their babies.
• Widespread impact:  Postpartum depression affects one in eight mothers across the country. It not only impacts the well-being of Pennsylvania mothers, but also has profound effects on their families and communities.
  • Pennsylvania has seen a 40 percent increase in severe maternal morbidity over the past five years.
• Solutions for Pennsylvania:  During January, HAP released an action plan to improve maternal health outcomes, increase access to care, and eliminate disparities. Developed by HAP’s Task Force on Maternal and Child Health, the report provides specific recommendations for increasing access to perinatal behavioral health care and expanding screening and treatment for postpartum depression.

“Over the years, UPMC has developed a spectrum of maternal health services and a robust integrated care program to meet new moms both where they are and with what they need after giving birth,” said Dr. Priya Gopalan, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital chief of psychiatry and a psychiatrist at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.

Learn more about the news conference and see HAP’s maternal health recommendations online.