On behalf of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services and the Maternal Mental Health Subcommittee of the Utah Women and Newborns Quality Collaborative (UWNQC), we are pleased to provide you with the Utah Maternal Mental Health Toolkit: tools for anyone working with perinatal parents and their children. The toolkit provides information on how to identify and treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. As a healthcare provider, you are in a unique position to help women and their families face these challenges.

In Utah, at least 44.8% of new mothers will experience symptoms of depression or anxiety in the 3 months before birth, during pregnancy, or postpartum (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Perspectives 2018-2020). The rates of these conditions increase to 30-60% in highest risk populations such as women younger than age 24, those who are under- or uninsured, and people who have unintended pregnancies. Anxiety is even more prevalent than depression in pregnant women in Utah.

The impact of untreated perinatal depression and anxiety cannot be overstated. Left untreated, depression in mothers and other caregivers can put a strain on relationships at home, in addition to negatively impacting all aspects of the young child’s development.

If you have any questions regarding this toolkit or the UWNQC Maternal Mental Health initiative, contact the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Maternal and Infant Health Program at [email protected].

Read our position statement here.