New research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have worsened maternal mental health outcomes. Researchers from the University of Maryland surveyed 670 post-partum patients at the height of the pandemic in 2020. Approximately 1 in 3 met the criteria for post-partum depression, triple the pre-pandemic rate of 1 in 8. Additionally, about 1 in 5 experienced symptoms of major depressive disorder. Of those who met the criteria for post-partum depression or major depressive disorder, 18.75% also experienced thoughts of self-harm. Worrying about contracting COVID-19 was a significant risk factor for developing depression. Understanding how to provide social support for post-partum mothers – especially during public health emergencies – is important for improving maternal mental health outcomes. To learn more, see the study in BMC Research Notes.