Postpartum Depression: Updates in Evaluation and Care

Depression and anxiety, both risk factors for peripartum depression including postpartum depression, have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the increased risks of postpartum depression to birthing parents, their newborns, and their families, advanced practice nurses need to be aware of the incidence, screening tools, and treatments for this disorder. Recommendations include the screening of all pregnant and postpartum patients including during pediatric visits, encouraging support postpartum, and teaching patients families to recognize the symptoms of postpartum depression and report them to their care providers.