A recent evidence review highlighted in the journal JAMA Psychiatry has brought attention to the alarming reality that maternal mental illness is the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. The review emphasized that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the country are preventable, shedding light on the urgent need for improved mental health care for mothers.

The study revealed that mental health disorders such as suicide and opioid overdose are responsible for nearly 1 in 4 maternal deaths in the US, a rate almost double that of maternal death from postpartum hemorrhage. Despite this significant impact, the contribution of mental health conditions to maternal mortality is often overlooked.

Dr. Katherine Wisner, associate chief of perinatal mental health at Children's National Hospital and co-author of the review, urged for increased awareness and action to address the mental health crisis affecting mothers across America. The research highlighted the importance of screening and treatment for mental health issues during and after pregnancy, as well as the necessity of accessible maternity care services.

Moreover, the review pointed out the disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black mothers who experience higher mortality rates and lower rates of treatment for mental health conditions compared to White mothers. National initiatives such as the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis have been mobilizing resources to combat maternal mortality, but there is a growing call to prioritize mental health within these efforts.

Recommendations from the researchers include improving interdisciplinary training for health professionals, implementing universal maternal mental health screening, and promoting public education about family planning options. Successful models like the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program for Moms have shown promise in supporting access to perinatal mental health care, offering a glimpse of hope for better mental health outcomes for mothers in the future.