Maternal mental health and the first 1 000 days

R E Turner; S Honikman

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2017.v106i12.12129

Continuing Medical Education

Maternal mental health and the first 1 000 days

R E Turner, S Honikman

Abstract

Even though maternal mental health receives low priority in healthcare, it is a vital component for the developing fetus and the raising of healthy children who are able to contribute meaningfully to society. This article explores risk factors for common mental illnesses and treatment options available in under-resourced settings.

Authors' affiliations

R E Turner, Perinatal Mental Health Project, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa

S Honikman, Perinatal Mental Health Project, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa