2018 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages 312-318
In Western countries, the number of late maternal deaths occurring between 42 days and less than 1 year postpartum is considered to be important as representing the number of maternal deaths. In particular, suicide attributable to psychiatric disorders has become a serious issue. However, in Japan, the actual number is unknown since neither death certificates nor postmortem certificates include information on pregnancy and delivery. Although the total number of deaths by suicide is known, it is not clear whether such deaths are associated with perinatal mental healthcare, and thus no measures can be taken. Untreated perinatal depression and psychiatric disorders not only cause problems such as suicide but also result in pediatric developmental disorders, mental disorders, neglect, and/or child abuse due to impaired nursing abilities, which can result in major social problems. The suicide rate of pregnant and parturient women in Osaka, Tokyo, and Mie is much higher than those in the UK and Sweden. The establishment of a regional cooperation support system is urgently needed, with cooperation among the gynecological field that monitors and supports mothers and babies, the psychiatric field, and local administrations.
