Prenatal Depression Risk Reduction & Education Program

Prenatal depression is a serious issue often overlooked by both women and their healthcare providers. Depression during pregnancy not only causes sadness for the mother, it can also have significant developmental effects on the fetus, including altering of the baby’s brain structure leading to increased vulnerability for mood disorders in the child’s future. Additionally, depression during pregnancy may cause early delivery, increasing infant morbidity and mortality. The “Prenatal Depression Risk Reduction and Education program” is a program designed to increase awareness of prenatal depression, help pregnancy healthcare providers understand the signs and provide a diagnosis and treatment options to reduce the risk of adverse effects. It is designed to be integrated easily into a prenatal care visit series.