What is the estimated number of infants born each year to depressed mothers?

Research indicates that a significant number of infants are born each year to mothers experiencing depression. It is estimated that around 400,000 infants are born annually to mothers with depression, reflecting the prevalence of this common mental health issue during the perinatal period. Maternal depression can have substantial effects not only on the mother but also on the child’s development, emphasizing the importance of screening and intervention for mental health issues in perinatal care.

This estimation is supported by various studies focused on maternal mental health, highlighting the critical role that maternal well-being plays in infant outcomes and the broader implications for public health. Understanding this statistic can aid professionals in addressing the needs of both mothers and infants in clinical settings.