Navigating Mental Health Support During Pregnancy and Postpartum: How ProgenyHealth Helps Members Overcome Barriers 

Understanding PMAD and PPD 

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) and Postpartum Depression (PPD) are significant concerns in maternal health affecting around 1 in 7 women. They aren’t just personal struggles but have far-reaching consequences. Untreated, these disorders contribute to increased maternal morbidity and societal and healthcare-related costs. In 2017, untreated PMADs were estimated to cost over 14 billion dollars related to income loss because of reduced maternal productivity, higher use of public services and government benefits, and increased healthcare costs. Beyond the immediate health risks, untreated PMAD can lead to generational impacts, affecting fetal and infant development. This makes it even more critical to ensure that women are addressing mental health issues early and effectively. 

The Generational Impact of Untreated PMAD 

Without intervention, mental health conditions like PMAD can have serious long-term consequences. Research has shown that a mother’s mental health directly influences her baby’s development, creating potential issues in cognitive and emotional growth. Studies have documented that children born to mothers with untreated mental health issues are at higher risk of developmental delays and future behavioral problems. Moreover, untreated PMAD could lead to chronic conditions in the mother, creating a cycle of stress and instability that spans generations. 

How ProgenyHealth Identifies and Supports Mental Health Needs 

Imagine a woman, recently pregnant, dealing with emotional turbulence but unaware of the mental health resources available to her through her healthcare plan. Despite her growing anxiety, she hesitates to seek help, not realizing that her health coverage includes support from ProgenyHealth. When our team connects with her, we establish trust quickly and offer a lifeline in the form of personalized case management (CM). Our dedicated CM team helps her navigate her mental health concerns, ensuring she feels supported through every step of her pregnancy and postpartum journey. 

At ProgenyHealth, the mental health screening process begins by asking members if they currently or have ever experienced issues such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. We also ask about any mental health treatment they may have received, including counseling or medication, within the last six months. By gauging their perception of mental health and previous treatment outcomes, we can offer the right support. Our case managers provide the affirmation and guidance that women need to seek ongoing treatment. 

Ongoing Screening Throughout Pregnancy and Postpartum 

Every member that enrolls in ProgenyHealth’s maternity program completes an initial mental health screening to establish a baseline. Members with a positive mental health history are screened more frequently during pregnancy—once per trimester and again postpartum. We use the PHQ-2 (Patient Health Questionnaire) and, if necessary, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess depression symptoms. Frequent assessments allow us to track trends in mental health, identifying any worsening symptoms or potential interventions early on. 

Mental health can fluctuate dramatically during pregnancy and postpartum. Frequent assessments help us detect changes in symptoms, such as a member who initially screened negative for mental health issues but later develops postpartum depression. Early detection can be the difference between timely intervention and a crisis. By staying involved with members for an entire year postpartum, our team can address issues that may arise long after the initial screening period. 

Overcoming Barriers to Mental Health Support 

Our case managers and social workers work tirelessly to overcome provider access barriers such as provider shortages, language or geographic barriers, and stigma. We connect members with community resources, develop detailed care plans for members throughout their pregnancy journey, and engage the member’s support system to help monitor any mental health crises.  

• Loss of Coverage: Our social workers are instrumental in connecting members to community resources that offer support even after a member loses coverage from their health plan. There is also a significant amount of planning and support that is provided prenatally to prepare the members to develop a succession plan. 

• Ongoing Assessment and Evaluation: Our case managers ensure the resources provided meet the members’ individual needs. If a treatment or community resource isn’t beneficial, our team assists with locating alternative options that better align. 

• Mental Health Stigma: Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier, especially in certain cultures. Our team educates members on the importance of mental well-being for both the mother and baby. By using motivational interviewing techniques, we empower women to seek the help they need without fear of judgment or consequences. 

The Importance of Timely Intervention 

At ProgenyHealth, we understand that mental health disorders like PMAD and PPD are more than just medical conditions—they are societal issues with far-reaching impacts. Our timely intervention programs help improve maternal and infant health, reduce healthcare costs, and ensure that every mother has the support she needs during one of the most critical times in her life.