Outcomes of Prenatal and Postpartum Depression: Implications for Women, Families, and Society

Timeframe

2024-2025

COMPASS staff

Stephanie D’Souza
Barry Milne

Collaborators

University of Michigan
Leah Richmond-Rakerd
Lara Khalifeh
 
Duke University
Avshalom Caspi
Terrie Moffitt

Community partners

Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA)

Description

This project is run by Assistant Professor Leah Richmond-Rakerd at the University of Michigan. Postpartum depression (PPD) has been associated with increased risk of negative maternal outcomes, including poor health and social functioning. However, population-based research has tended to focus on predicting risk for PPD or has focused on just a single outcome, or a small set. Further, it remains unclear to what extent associations between postpartum depression and poor outcomes are attributable to a direct effect of postpartum depression, rather than shared risk factors.

This project will evaluate multiple outcomes of postpartum depression for mothers and children.

For mothers we will focus on four domains:

  • Mental health;
  • Physical health;
  • Fertility and family structure; and
  • Socioeconomic wellbeing.

For children we will focus on three domains:

  • Mental health;
  • Physical health; and
  • Education.

We will also assess whether prenatal depression impacts outcomes. The proposed work will inform public health and intervention efforts to support maternal and child health.