Women's Health

In a guideline update, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends using pharmacotherapy to treat perinatal depression, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as first-line medications.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders remain untreated in 3 of 4 affected individuals giving birth.

Because this syndrome affects health throughout the lifespan, long-term management is essential, not only to control symptoms but also to prevent associated metabolic conditions.

Emergency contraception counseling should be provided routinely to women at risk of unintended pregnancy as part of counseling on reproductive goals.

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry should be performed at diagnosis, with the timing of repeat scans predicated on the patient’s clinical risk factors for fracture.

Oral norgestrel, the first daily oral contraceptive pill available over the counter in the United States, is a safe, effective addition to existing over-the-counter contraceptive options.

Clinicians should screen for tobacco use and follow-up with pregnancy-specific messaging during each visit, building on any motivation the patient has to quit.