Conclusion/Implications
The prevalence rates of both postpartum depression and PTSD were statistically higher at 2 months after delivery among women who had had a PPH (respectively 24.4% and 12.8%) compared with the control group (respectively 18.2% and 7.6%).
After adjustment, the mean scores for PTSD remained significantly higher at one year among women with PPH (7.6, 95%CI, 6.3-9.1 vs 5.8%, 95%CI, 4.9-6.8, p=0.02). Moreover, the prevalence of psychological disorders was quite high, including in the control group, and even long after delivery. Perinatal professionals must bear these high rates in mind and systematically screen for psychological disorders during the long postpartum period. Further studies are needed to determine, among all young mothers, which parts of the care process are critical, and to assess what type of structured additional support might be appropriate and effective. Elsewhere, further studies should assess the impact of a national screening programme using validated instruments conducted by perinatal health-care providers.