Combating Maternal Depression: Providing More Care Options for New Mothers with AI

AI Maternal Depression Screening Transforms Healthcare

Maternal depression affects approximately 1 in 5 women in the United States, and for many, their struggles go undetected and untreated. As we recognize National Maternal Depression Day, it’s critical that we acknowledge both the prevalence of this condition and the innovative solutions emerging to address it.

At Videra Health, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the lack of diagnosis of postpartum depression (PPD) can impact new mothers in what would normally be a joyous time. Often unrecognized and undiagnosed, PPD often slips past providers as new mothers transition from OBGYN in their first few postpartum weeks to their primary care physician for longer-term care. It is in this period of transition between providers that PPD symptoms often appear, and why it is so challenging to identify the symptoms that trigger most screenings for PPD. The gap in care not only impacts mothers but resonates throughout families and communities.

The Hidden Costs of Untreated Maternal Depression

Beyond the emotional toll, untreated postpartum depression costs payors 90% more in healthcare expenses.1 These costs extend beyond immediate medical care to include long-term impacts on child development and family wellbeing. Early detection and intervention are essential not just for emotional recovery but also for financial sustainability in our healthcare system.

How AI Is Transforming Maternal Mental Health Care

The traditional approach to maternal mental health screening often falls short. Brief questionnaires during limited check-ups may not capture the full picture of a mother’s experience, especially when stigma prevents honest reporting.

At Videra Health, we’re leveraging AI technology to create a more comprehensive, accessible approach:

  • Continuous Monitoring: Rather than relying solely on point-in-time assessments during medical visits, our AI-assisted platform enables consistent check-ins throughout the perinatal and postnatal periods.
  • Multi-Modal Assessment: Our technology analyzes video, text, and audio responses, providing deeper insights beyond standard questionnaires like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). These additional signals help identify emotional distress that might otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Early Risk Detection: Our platform identifies mothers at higher risk before symptoms escalate to crisis levels. This proactive approach allows for intervention at the earliest signs of struggle.
  • Seamless Provider Integration: When our system detects concerning patterns, it automatically alerts healthcare providers, ensuring timely clinical support without requiring additional staffing resources.

Real Impact for Mothers and Families

What makes this approach particularly powerful is its ability to reach mothers where they are. New parents often struggle to attend in-person appointments due to childcare challenges, physical recovery, and overwhelming schedules. Our asynchronous video assessment platform allows mothers to engage with care on their own time, from the comfort of home, using their personal devices.

The data we’ve gathered demonstrates real impact:

  • Earlier identification of mothers needing support
  • Increased engagement in treatment when needed
  • Significant improvements in maternal emotional wellbeing
  • Better medication adherence for those requiring pharmacological intervention
  • Reduced emergency interventions and hospitalizations

Looking Forward: A Multi-Faceted Approach

While technology offers promising solutions, addressing maternal depression requires a comprehensive approach. Technology should complement, not replace, human connection. Our goal is to enhance the relationship between mothers and healthcare providers by providing more touchpoints and deeper insights.

As we commemorate National Maternal Depression Day, let’s commit to leveraging every tool available—including innovative AI technologies—to ensure that no mother suffers in silence. By combining compassionate care with advanced technology, we can create a future where maternal depression is identified early, treated effectively, and ultimately, prevented wherever possible.

Every mother deserves support during one of life’s most challenging transitions. Through innovation and commitment, we can make that support more accessible than ever before.

1 Dagher, R.K., McGovern, P.M., Dowd, B.E., & Gjerdingen, D.K. (2012). “Postpartum depression and health services expenditures among employed women.” Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 54(2):210-215.

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Maternal and Mental Health Awareness Month: How AI Technology Can Help Reduce Suicide Rates

Every year, the month of May is recognized as Maternal and Mental Health Awareness Month. During this time, we bring attention to the importance of taking care of our mental and emotional well-being, especially for mothers who may face unique challenges. While this month is a crucial time to raise awareness about maternal and mental health, it is also important not to forget about the high risk of suicide and the impact it has on individuals and families. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide rates have been steadily increasing over the past two decades in the United States. In 2022, suicide claimed more than 49,400 lives in the U.S. making it the 10th leading cause of death in the country. And while suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds, women and mothers are at a particularly high risk.

Research has shown that women are twice as likely to attempt suicide as men, although men are three times more likely to die by suicide. This is because women often choose less lethal methods, such as overdose or self-harm, while men more commonly choose firearms. However, the risk of suicide for mothers is even higher, especially in the first year after giving birth. In fact, a recent study found that postpartum depression was the leading cause of death among new mothers. 

With the alarming statistics surrounding suicide, it is clear that timely intervention and support for those at risk is imperative. This is where the incorporation of AI technology becomes invaluable. With its advances in numerous industries, artificial intelligence has also proven to be a crucial tool in screening and measuring potential suicide risks. By being able to identify those at a higher risk of suicide, we are able to intervene earlier, potentially preventing such tragic outcomes.

A recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that AI technologies can accurately predict individuals at high risk of suicide using video and audio recordings. By analyzing non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and emotional states, AI algorithms can detect changes or patterns that may indicate suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Furthermore, AI has the ability to learn and adapt over time, making its predictive capabilities even more accurate. By analyzing a large amount of data from various sources, AI can identify trends and patterns, and continuously improve its ability to detect those at higher risk of suicide. This can be especially useful for individuals who may not display obvious warning signs, but through the analysis of their behaviors, AI can determine their risk.

However, it’s important to note that AI technology is not meant to replace human intervention in suicide prevention. It should be seen as a supplementary tool to assist healthcare professionals in identifying individuals at risk and providing them with the necessary support and resources. AI can be used to alert healthcare providers and caregivers to individuals who may need immediate intervention, potentially saving lives that may have gone unnoticed.

As we recognize Maternal and Mental Health Awareness Month, let us not forget about the urgent matter of reducing suicide rates. AI technology is just one of the many tools at our disposal that can help us proactively identify and support those at risk. By utilizing AI’s capabilities in analyzing video, audio, and text, we can detect warning signs and intervene before it’s too late. Regular intervention and support can save lives, and with the help of AI, we can take proactive steps towards reducing suicide rates and promoting better mental health for all.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available to help 24/7.