Grant: Operating Grant

WHAT WE KNOW. Mental health problems are more common than all other pregnancy-related complications. Yet, less than 20 percent of healthcare providers assess and treat women for depression and anxiety. As a result only 10 percent of pregnant women in Canada with mental health problems receive the help they need. Mental health problems carry serious, longlasting consequences for mothers and children;they can affect the child's development and mental health, even into adolescence. Many women do not want to take medications while pregnant and the other non-medication options are expensive, unavailable, and have long waiting lists. There is then an urgent need to assess pregnant women for mental health problems and provide them with accessible non-medication treatment options. WHAT WE WANT TO LEARN. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective non-medication treatments for mental health problems. In previous research, we showed that pregnant women found a workbook-based CBT program useful and acceptable. Women completed 3 workbook modules on their own and talked with a coach weekly on the telephone. Women told us that they preferred an online version. We want to learn whether online assessment of pregnant women's mental health and treatment using online CBT reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and has a longlasting effect on maternal and infant health. WHY IT IS IMPORTANT. Improving pregnant women's mental health may reduce the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. This early intervention may prevent child development and mental health problems that can result if maternal mental health problems are untreated.