Remarks

• Screening for common mental health conditions in the postnatal period should be performed using a validated instrument, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). All women should be asked about their emotional well-being at each postnatal care contact.
• The Guideline Development Group noted that trials showing a reduction in postpartum depression and anxiety included universal screening for mental health conditions by trained health workers, coupled with confirmatory diagnosis and treatment strategies.
• Systems for referral, diagnosis and management of women should be established or strengthened to ensure adequate follow-up and management for those who screen positive, in accordance with principles of screening programmes (87). Women identified at risk of postpartum depression or anxiety based on screening results should be offered psychosocial and/or psychological interventions to prevent these conditions as per Recommendation 19 in this guideline.