Maternal-Infant Connection Crucial for Mental Health

Strategic Insights -

Research published in the journal Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology highlights the importance of the maternal-infant connection for mental health, particularly in cases where perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) are present. The study, conducted by researchers from the Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, analyzed private insurance data from all 50 US states between 2016 and 2020 to explore healthcare utilization and costs for birthing individuals and their infants with PMAD. The findings emphasize the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the dyadic relationship between birthing individuals and their infants, particularly in relation to mental health outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study sample included 101,306 birthing individuals and 108,438 infants, representing 108,438 unique dyads, with most birthing individuals between the ages of 25-39 and categorized as White (71.7% of deliveries).
  • Births to White and Black perinatal individuals had the highest percentage with a PMAD diagnosis, at 21.9% and 17.9% of deliveries, respectively.
  • Individuals with pre- or post-delivery PMAD had higher rates of NICU admissions (13.6% and 11.4%, respectively) than those without PMAD (9.9%).
  • The PMAD + SUD group had the highest dyadic out-of-pocket costs (median: $798.32, IQR: $316.20, $1,943.74), and the post-delivery PMAD group had the second highest dyadic costs (median: $505.95, IQR: $211.29, $1,169.01).
  • The study found significant differences among PMAD groups compared to a group without PMAD, suggesting that PMAD status influences changes in healthcare use or costs.
  • The percentage of both birthing individuals and their infants using outpatient services remained nearly identical during the study period, emphasizing the connection between the dyad and healthcare use.

Statistics:

  • 101,306 birthing individuals and 108,438 infants participated in the study.
  • 71.7% of deliveries involved White birthing individuals.
  • 21.9% of deliveries to White individuals and 17.9% of deliveries to Black individuals had a PMAD diagnosis.
  • 13.6% and 11.4% of infants in the pre- and post-delivery PMAD groups, respectively, were admitted to the NICU.
  • The median dyadic out-of-pocket costs for the PMAD + SUD group were $798.32 (IQR: $316.20, $1,943.74).
  • The median dyadic costs for the post-delivery PMAD group were $505.95 (IQR: $211.29, $1,169.01).

Sources:

  • Evaluating birthing individual and infant healthcare utilization and costs among individuals experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology, 2025,11(1):1-10.
  • Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research
  • Henry Ford Health System
  • Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology - http://www.mhnpjournal.com/
  • BMC (publisher)
  • https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-025-00218-7 (free version of the journal article)