Maternal Self-Harm Deaths: An Unrecognized and Preventable Outcome

Maternal mortality continues to be a public health priority in national and international communities. Maternal death rates secondary to medical illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, preeclampsia, and postpartum hemorrhage are well documented. The rates of maternal death secondary to self-harm, including suicide and overdose, have been omitted from published rates of maternal mortality, despite growing attention to the prevalence of perinatal mood disorders, estimated at up to 15% of pregnant and postpartum women in the United States.

Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology - March 4, 2019 Category: OBGYN Authors: Kimberly Mangla, M Camille Hoffman, Caroline Trumpff, Sinclaire O ’Grady, Catherine Monk Tags: Expert Review Source Type: research