ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: Hunter RM*
In 2020 the novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic. Pregnant women have been recognised as a group specifically at risk during this time due to the impact that the COVID-19 infection may have on the health of the birthing person and the unknown impact of vertical transmission to the fetus. Pregnant women also have a recognised risk of perinatal mental health problems including depression and anxiety. The aim of this paper is to summarise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated infection control measures on perinatal depression and anxiety in England, the cost of the additional impact and the role of English National Health Service (NHS) trusts and maternity services in reducing the impact and cost. Studies including systematic reviews and meta-analyses have found a 3 to 5 fold increase in perinatal depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to non-pandemic times. This increased prevalence, if also seen in England, is at a potential cost to society of £10.6 billion for depression and £6.9 billion for anxiety, including a cost to the health care sector of £649 million and £1.7 billion respectively. Health care Trusts and maternity services have an important role to play in reducing this cost, not just in providing maternity care, but also in monitoring the health of the population and referring onwards where needed. Modest improvements in the availability of social support including improved partner involvement during pregnancy and labour and support given by health care staff during maternity care have the potential to reduce the risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. Signposting to and provision of perinatal mental health services, particularly for women at risk, is also likely improve outcomes for birthing people and their infants and hence to reduce the total cost to society of perinatal mental health problems.
Keywords: Maternity Services; Perinatal Mental Health; Perinatal Anxiety; Perinatal Depression; Covid-19
