Accessibility and Effectiveness of Perinatal Care for Low-Income Women who have been Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
Journal Title
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Issue Date
2014-04-26
Authors
Little, Stephanie A.
Publisher
Keywords
Abstract
Perinatal care is care for mothers during pregnancy and immediately after birth. This encompasses medical and social support for early detection of issues with the pregnancy, as well as an opportunity for human service professionals to encourage healthy behavior during pregnancy. Perinatal care is especially important for low-income women who have Bipolar Disorder. This population is often more at risk to engage in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors that could lead to a premature birth, still birth, or LBW birth. Research suggests that women who have a history of poor mental health prior to conception are 40% more likely to have pregnancy complications than women who do not (Witt, 2012). Encouraging healthy choices can help support women throughout pregnancy and the early years of parenting. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the accessibility and effectiveness of perinatal care for low income women who are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.