New CDC Report on Trends in Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

New CDC Report on Trends in Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

In today’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, CDC provides the percentage of women with symptoms of postpartum depression overall and over time using Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data from 2004, 2008, and 2012. 

Key Findings: In 2012, 11.5% of women experienced symptoms of postpartum depression (data from 27 states). The percentage of women with symptoms of postpartum depression declined by one-third, from 15% to 10% (among 13 states with data from all three time periods—2004, 2008, and 2012).

Despite the decline, symptoms of postpartum depression remain common, affecting about 1 out of 9 women in 2012. This report highlights the differences in the percentage of women with symptoms of postpartum depression by state and by characteristics. Ongoing monitoring and activities to promote appropriate screening, referral, and treatment are needed to reduce symptoms of postpartum depression among women in the United States.