Depression is a serious mental health disorder that causes frequent feelings of sadness and/or lack of interest and is associated with worsened maternal and infant outcomes. Women who experience postpartum depression have been found to have lower rates of breastfeeding initiation, poorer maternal and infant bonding and increased likelihood of developmental delays among infants. Universal screening for depression before, during and after pregnancy is recommended in order to increase identification of women at risk and ensure the appropriate referral and treatment.
Last updated:
February 2024
Data for
Notes: Data is not comparable to years prior to 2016. Prior to 2016, data refers to a diagnosis prior to pregnancy. Data in 2016 and after, refers to a diagnosis in the 3 months prior to pregnancy
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Retrieved April 28, 2024, from www.marchofdimes.org/peristats.
In New York in 2021, 17.2% of mothers had pre-pregnancy depression.