Mental distress among new parents costs New Zealand $2 billion a year
A report found roughly half of birthing parents experience mental distress during pregnancy and early years, with significant economic impact.
Mental distress affects up to half of all birthing parents in New Zealand, with around 29,000 people annually experiencing it during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. The condition carries a long-term social cost of $2 billion annually. The findings highlight the economic and health burden of perinatal mental health challenges.
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Mental distress among new parents carries long-term social cost of $2b a year – report
The report found up to half of māmā and birthing parents – around 29,000 people annually – experienced mental distress during pregnancy and the early years.