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Postnatal depression symptom trajectories across the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from the United Kingdom

Mounting evidence indicates the mental health of postnatal mothers suffered during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a four-wave online survey of United Kingdom mothers we explore the continuing trajectory of postnatal depressive symptoms. During the first lockdown 47.5% of mothers (n=162) met the ≥11 Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale cut-off for postnatal depression, falling to 32.8% (n=128) after lockdown easing, rising to 51.3% (n=569) in late 2020 as restrictions were increased and 54.0% (n=470) by February 2021. It is imperative that health services are alert to the degree to which this cohort of mothers urgently require mental health support and are planning for the prolonged support needs they will continue to have.