Key points

Maternal suicide is a leading cause of maternal mortality.

The majority of maternal suicides occur in later postpartum

We must include suicide items as a part of routine maternal mental health screenings.

September is an important month for mental health awareness — Suicide Prevention Month . The goals of Suicide Prevention Month are to raise awareness, reduce mental health stigma , and promote help-seeking behaviors. Despite some promising reductions in U.S. suicide rates in the general population over the last decade, maternal suicide rates have increased during the same time period.

20% of maternal deaths are due to suicide Source: Rachel Diamond

Maternal suicide is defined as the death of a woman by suicide during the perinatal period (while pregnant or duri

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