New Clinical Guidelines for Perinatal Mental Health Released
Improving perinatal care requires action at every level — from policymakers to frontline providers. To help perinatal health care providers better identify and treat mental health issues, the Daymark Foundation supported the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) in developing Canada’s first Clinical Guidelines for Perinatal Mental Health. These guidelines focus on identifying, screening, treating, and referring patients with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
Released in October 2024, the guidelines address a critical gap in Canadian health care. They provide practical, evidence-based recommendations for OBGYNs, midwives, nurses, family doctors, and other health care providers who interact with pregnant and postpartum patients. The goal is to ensure timely access to mental health care and improve outcomes for those at risk.
Key messages include:
PMADs are the most common complications during and after pregnancy
Certain groups face higher risks and barriers to care
Health care providers play a crucial role in early identification and referral.
Next Steps
We’re committed to supporting implementation of these guidelines, and will explore how we can help providers build their capacity to support perinatal mental health.