Pregnancy and birth are physically and mentally demanding. 

During pregnancy and after giving birth, hormones and sleep patterns change, and new stresses can emerge like additional financial concerns, returning to work, and finding and paying for reliable childcare options. Additionally, if a woman has experienced depression-like symptoms before pregnancy, those symptoms can also reemerge or increase during pregnancy. 

Perinatal mental health disorders like postpartum depression are commonly underreported and underscreened. In 2019, the Oklahoma state legislature passed SB 419, requiring physicians to screen women for depression during pregnancy and pediatricians to screen mothers during their children’s well baby visits. 

Still, only 58.1% of new mothers were screened for postpartum depression in Oklahoma from 2018-2021. The consistent screening required by SB 419 will help the state have a better picture of how many women are really struggling with depression after giving birth.

Many Oklahoman parents are covered by SoonerCare, Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, during their pregnancy (see Women Enrolled in Medicaid/SoonerCare). Extensions and expansions of the program over the past several years, some specifically targeted toward pregnant and postpartum Oklahomans, were important steps towards improving maternal healthcare and addressing the high postpartum depression rates in the state. 

Oklahoma is taking proactive measures to enhance the well-being of mothers and infants through extended postpartum coverage, increased income thresholds, and a more comprehensive range of services including doula care.