Oral

This session will explore the risk factors for poor neonatal outcomes due to poor maternal mental health, including trauma from disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, intimate partner violence (IPV), and substance use, including substances used for suicide attempt during pregnancy. Although research has examined the relationship between IPV and neonatal outcomes, there are still gaps in our understanding of these relationships, and in particular the role of maternal mental health in pregnancy outcomes. The role of social support, demographic and community-response factors are examined in relationship to the maternal mental health and pregnancy distress among women exposed to Katrina. The role of mental health and IPV is examined in relationship to neonatal outcomes. The role of mental health, particularly depression, is examined as a predictor of substance abuse among pregnant women and the need for screening and coordinated care is described. A study describing the use of toxic substances to attempt suicide among pregnant women calls for the need for tracing of infants exposed to substances and an interdisciplinary approach to screening.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe mental health consequences to childbearing women who were exposed to disasters or interpersonal violence; 2. Discuss the relationship between between maternal mental health, IPV, and neonatal outcomes; 3. Identify mental health predictors of substance abuse; 4. Explain the tracking needs for infants exposed to substances due to maternal suicidal intent.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)