Depression around childbirth poses future heart risk to mums

New research has underlined how a mother's physical and mental health is linked after childbirth; depression around this time can lead to heart problems later in life. — JULIAN STRATENSCHULTE/dpa

WOMEN who are diagnosed with depression around the time they give birth appear to have a higher risk of heart problems in later life, according to a new study.

Those diagnosed with perinatal depression – which includes postnatal depression and depression during pregnancy – may be at higher risk of heart problems including high blood pressure; heart disease and heart failure for up to 20 years afterwards.