A Review on the Postpartum Depression Management Systems in Korea

Abstract

Pregnancy is a period of various hormonal changes; furthermore, since pregnancy and childbirth itself are major stressors, pregnant women are inevitably vulnerable to psychiatric disorders. The emotional changes during postpartum blues, the anxiety experienced by about half of all mothers in the first week after childbirth, are usually temporary; they peak 4–5 days after delivery and then normalize after 10 days. Postpartum depression, however, is a disease that occurs frequently in mothers, and its incidence has been increasing due to sociocultural changes. In Korea, interest in postpartum depression is growing due to the government's efforts to promote maternal health. The national policy provides support to overcome the low fertility rate and to change social perceptions, but there is still insufficient medical intervention for mothers at high risk of postpartum depression. Considering the negative effects of mental health disorders on mothers and childrearing, we propose plans for more active, early intervention and the prevention of prenatal and postpartum depression.