Mental health outcomes after severe pregnancy complications: a scoping review.

What was studied

This scoping review looked at mental health after severe pregnancy complications. It covered high blood pressure in pregnancy and heavy bleeding around birth. It also covered other serious complications. The team searched databases up to August 2025. They included 79 studies. A scoping review maps what research exists.

What they found

Odds of postpartum depression were higher after high blood pressure in pregnancy (OR 1.72). They were also higher after heavy bleeding around birth (OR 1.73). Links with other serious complications and depression were mixed. Studies on other mental health problems were too few or too varied to pool.

What it means for patients

The authors say these complications are linked to higher odds of postpartum depression. They say the link for other serious complications varies. They also say harmonized outcome definitions are needed.

Why it is not certain yet

The studies varied a lot. Some outcomes had too few studies to pool. These studies show links, not cause. The authors say shared outcome definitions and further research are needed.

Source

Mental health outcomes after severe pregnancy complications: a scoping review.

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