Evolution of the perinatal care system

Background: The perinatal support system for mothers and babies, which has evolved over the past 6 years at the Morioka Red Cross Hospital, is describ ed. Methods: Between July 1995 and August 1999, 1864 puerperal mothers at the M orioka Red Cross Hospital responded to the Maternity Blues Scale (MB) and t he Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 1 month, each with an ope n comment form. Results and Discussion: There was a significant difference in each MB item between individuals who scored above 9 points and those who scored lower in the EPDS. Those who later scored high in the EPDS had responses to a prece ding MB where we had checked items of 'confusion', 'experience of crying', 'anxiety', 'exhaustion', 'feeling depressed', 'nervousness', 'agitation' an d 'forgetfulness'. Administration of the MB and provision of a free comment form significantly decreased EPDS scores. Ensuring that the views of mothe rs are acknowledged within the context of an adequate care system is centra l to effective perinatal care.