The Importance of Antepartum Maternal Depression Screening and Education: A Narrative Review of the Literature

The purpose of this literature review is to explain the current practice of antepartum maternal depression screening and education. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women be screened at least once during the antepartum phase of pregnancy by their health care provider. The fact that many women present with depression or anxiety at several time points during pregnancy suggests that only one screening during pregnancy is not enough. Antepartum and postpartum depression education is lacking within the prenatal period. This lack of education may decrease self-identification, leading to the decreased screening of pregnant women. Antepartum depression has a high probability of becoming postpartum depression, which might have significant implications for early discovery during pregnancy. These circumstances make antepartum depression one of the most under-recognized and under-treated conditions. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(10), 19-23].