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Review
. 2022 Apr;24(4):239-275.
doi: 10.1007/s11920-022-01334-3. Epub 2022 Apr 2.

Suicide and Maternal Mortality

Kathleen Chin  1 , Amelia Wendt  1 , Ian M Bennett  1   2   3 , Amritha Bhat  4
Affiliations
Review

Suicide and Maternal Mortality

Kathleen Chin et al. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2022 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the perinatal period (pregnancy and 1 year postpartum). We review recent findings on prevalence, risk factors, outcomes, and prevention and intervention for suicide during pregnancy and the first year postpartum.

Recent findings: Standardization of definitions and ascertainment of maternal deaths have improved identification of perinatal deaths by suicide and risk factors for perinatal suicide. Reports of a protective effect of pregnancy and postpartum on suicide risk may be inflated. Clinicians must be vigilant for risk of suicide among their perinatal patients, especially those with mental health diagnoses or prior suicide attempts. Pregnancy and the year postpartum are a time of increased access to healthcare for many, offering many opportunities to identify and intervene for suicide risk. Universal screening for suicide as part of assessment of depression and anxiety along with improved access to mental health treatments can reduce risk of perinatal suicide.

Keywords: Maternal mortality; Perinatal; Postpartum; Pregnancy; Suicide.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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