Children of mothers who are depressed or who have depressive
symptoms are at increased risk for developmental delay, 1 behavioral problems, 2 depression, 3 asthma morbidity, 4 and injuries.5 Depressed mothers are
less likely to engage in preventive parenting practices6 and are more likely to use child health care services.7 Though research
initially focused on postpartum depression, it is clear that maternal depressive
symptoms often persist after the postpartum period, 8 and this persistence further increases the effect on children's health.9 As a result, the pediatric role in identifying and addressing maternal depressive
symptoms has received increasing attention.10 - 13