Pregnancy is a process of bringing new life into the world. In most situations, it is seen as a joyful moment filled with happiness, excitement and anticipation. The focus is on this little human being who grew in the womb and will soon fill his life with love, joy and happiness. Unfortunately, there are also times when pregnancy can lead to anxiety and depression. Instead of moments of excitement and joy, there are moments filled with worry, panic and sadness. When a person suffers from depression and/or anxiety, it is possible for these symptoms to become more pronounced during pregnancy or suddenly become predominant during pregnancy. “Mood and anxiety disorders in pregnant and postpartum women” are a reality that deserves attention in the medical field. It is important that medical staff are able to identify and treat women who may be at risk for anxiety and depression during pregnancy or after childbirth. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Typically, women seek medical treatment when they become pregnant and this medical treatment lasts throughout the pregnancy and usually sometimes beyond the pregnancy. Being a nurse in the medical field and working with pregnant women puts you in an ideal position to help them meet not only the medical needs, but also the emotional needs of their patients. As stated in the AWONN position statement, “All pregnant and postpartum women should be screened for mood and anxiety disorders.” The article states that approximately ten to twenty percent of women experience some type of mood disorder during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. “As a result, these conditions constitute the most common complication of childbirth.” There are physical and emotional symptoms that women with anxiety and depression face that could have long-term effects on themselves, as well as their unborn child. Research is a constantly evolving science and studies have been done on depression in pregnant and postpartum women. It is very important that nurses are aware of the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression and are able to identify the signs and offer education, support and options to an expectant or new mother. Research is important throughout the treatment process for anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, “research is limited regarding the treatment of perinatal mood disorders other than depression” and research “… regarding the treatment of perinatal anxiety disorders is in its infancy.” “AWONN supports the implementation of laws, policies, and public health initiatives that help raise awareness, eliminate stigma, reduce barriers to treatment, and expand research related to mood and mental disorders. 'perinatal anxiety'. This is important because the emotional and mental well-being of patients impacts not only the patients we treat as pregnant women, but also the unborn child and other family members. Anxiety and depression are still relatively new topics that patients are beginning to talk about and recognize as a part of their lives. Not only do depression and anxiety affect the patient, but they can have medical and emotional effects on the fetus and even family members canalso suffer the consequences. As a nurse, being able to implement a screening and understand possible concerns regarding anxiety and depression in the patient can make the nurse's job more effective. The nurse is usually the person who will spend the most time with the patient and with whom the patient will learn to trust and feel very comfortable. Being able to assess for possible depression and anxiety can provide an opportunity to provide education, options, and information to other medical staff. Implementing risk factor screening is important for all families of childbearing age, for their health and safety. Postpartum depression can affect any mother who is carrying a child. Postpartum depression may be more common if the mother has prior anxiety, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Any woman, any race and class can and can be affected by postpartum depression. Many studies have been conducted regarding the impact of postpartum depression (PPD) and depression and the roles they play on the patient, the unborn child, and other family members. When depression is a concern, there is a broad continuum of symptoms that should be assessed. From withdrawal and lack of contact with the baby to suicidal or homicidal thoughts and everywhere in between. The Epiburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a screening tool often used to assess these depressive symptoms. Although this scale is a good assessment of depression, "it is questionable whether a total score or a subscale score of the EPDS is most accurate in detecting anxiety." In many situations when using the EPDS for screening, anxiety is not indicated. It has been recommended that the GAD-7 be used as a separate screen, but "there is no standard recommendation or screening tool." It is obvious that there are few tools to screen for depression and in particular anxiety in pregnant and postpartum women. This is a problem because studies have shown that there are harmful risk factors for babies whose mothers suffer from depression and/or anxiety. “A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in nine women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. The prevalence of anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the early postpartum period is not well known, but studies suggest that perinatal anxiety is much more prevalent than depression. There are many risk factors associated with untreated depression and anxiety. "Various studies indicate that women who experience clinically significant anxiety symptoms during pregnancy are more likely to have premature labor and low birth weight infants, as well as other complications, including pre-eclampsia ". There are concerns about postpartum anxiety and a mother's ability or desire to bond with her child, which can also lead to long-term effects. “A recent narrative review describes numerous studies that illustrate the negative effects of postpartum anxiety on social bonding, breastfeeding, infant temperament, early childhood development, and conduct disorders.” As a nurse who spends the majority of her time with an expectant mother, it is vitally important to be able to assess, monitor and support her appropriately during and after her pregnancy to effectively help her through any depression or anxiety she may be experiencing. 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