Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Perinatal depression, a significant mental health concern during pregnancy and the postpartum period, affects approximately 10-20% of women globally. Despite its high prevalence, it often remains underdiagnosed and untreated, contributing to negative consequences for both mothers and their infants. Nurses, being frontline healthcare providers, play a critical role in the early detection of perinatal depression through screening and timely interventions. This paper evaluates the impact of nurse-led perinatal depression screening on maternal outcomes. Findings from recent literature indicate that structured screening programs administered by nurses improve the identification of depressive symptoms, enhance maternal psychological well-being, reduce obstetric complications, and support improved infant health outcomes. This review supports the integration of systematic screening tools into routine nursing care to promote maternal mental health and long-term familial well-being.