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Fetal Infant Mortality Review.

Maternal Mental Health Data Report

Mental Health Measurements

Mental health, mood disorder, intentional self-injury, and substance abuse admission rates include the following:

  • Females age 15-44
  • Hospital admissions by mental health diagnosis category

Health Risks

  • Women with a mental health diagnosis pre-pregnancy are at a greater risk for:
  • Maternal mortality (suicide, overdose)
  • Cesarean delivery
  • Postpartum depression

Long-Term Effects

Infants born to mothers with a depression mental health diagnosis are at greater risk for:

  • Less likely to be breastfed
  • Pre-term Birth and Low Birth Weight
  • Fetal and Infant Mortality

Importance of Prevention

83% of FIMR preventable fetal and infant deaths that occurred during the maternal health/prematurity period had illicit drug use during pregnancy vs. 0% for nonpreventable cases:

Percentage of Preventable Deaths

Mental Health Indicators per 100,000 Females age 15-44 by
San Bernardino County Region, 2021-2023


The Mountain Region had the highest rate of mental health diagnosis (females aged 15-44):

Rate of Mental Health Diagnosis

3,020
Mountain Area
2,202
High Desert Area
2,120
SBC
1,460
Valley Area
493
Low Desert Area

Between (2019-2021) and (2021-2023): The rate of female (age15-44) mental health admissions increased 9% in the mountain region, 7% in the valley region, and 1% countywide.

Rate of Intentional Self-Injury Diagnosis

1,000
Mountain Area
574
High Desert Area
509
SBC
409
Valley Area
193
Low Desert Area

Between (2019-2021) and (2021-2023): The rate of female (age15-44) intentional self-injury admissions increased 22% in the mountain region, 20% in the valley region, 9% in the high desert region, and 11% countywide.

Rate of Substance Abuse Diagnosis

1,900
Mountain Area
1,200
High Desert Area
1,200
SBC
754
Valley Area
267
Low Desert Area

Themes from San Bernardino County FIMR Maternal Interviews
from January 2024 – June 2025

100% of mothers interviewed had stress and anxiety before, during or after pregnancy. Often related to financial instability, housing issues, and the health of their babies.

Percentage of Mothers

39% of mothers interviewed experienced depression before, during or after pregnancy. The loss of a child significantly exacerbated
these feelings.

Percentage of Mothers

11% of mothers interviewed had barriers to accessing Mental Health Services. Barriers included
insurance issues and lack of available services.

Percentage of Mothers

Substance Abuse Resources

MFI A Women’s Place

  • Recovery Perinatal Substance Abuse Program: 951-683-6596

Mental Health Resources

San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)

  • Offers outpatient therapy, urgent care, mobile crisis response (24/7), case management, and substance use treatment.
  • Crisis phone (24/7): 1-800-398‑0018 or text 909-420‑0560
  • Administration phone line: 888-743-1478

Medi-Cal County Clinics

  • For mental health services covered under Medi-Cal, please call 888-743-1478.

Maternal Health Network of SB County

  • Connects moms to 74+ counseling providers, support groups, psychiatric care, and assistance for substance use.

Perinatal Equity Initiative (PEI) (SBC DPH)

  • Focused support for Black mothers with culturally responsive mental health therapy. Phone: 844-352-3985

SACHS Clinic

  • Free postpartum depression support groups in San Bernardino. Phone: 909-382‑7100

To learn more about San Bernardino County Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health (MCAH) Services, please scan the QR code or visit dph.sbcounty.gov/mcah.

QR code to the MCAH page.

References

1) Yeaton-Massey, A., Sparks, T., & Caughey, A. (2015). 124: Is depression a predictor of cesarean delivery?. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 212(1), S79-S80.
2) MS, M., & Kay Roussos–Ross, M. D. (2023). Treatment and management of mental health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 141(6),
1262-1288.
3) American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), & Fleischman, S. (2025, November). ACOG statement on the benefit of access to ssris during pregnancy. untreated depression in
pregnancy can put our patients at risk for substance use, preterm birth, preeclampsia, limited engagement in medical care and self-care, low birth weight, impaired attachment with their infant, and
even suicide.
4) The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists,. (2026). Depression during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 51(8), 1087-1093.
5) Louis-Jacques, A., Joyner, A., Crowe, S., & American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2021, January). Breastfeeding Challenges and Depression. ACOG.
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2021/02/breastfeeding-challenges
6) Robinson, L. R., Bitsko, R. H., O’Masta, B., Holbrook, J. R., Ko, J., Barry, C. M., … &Kaminski,
J. W. (2024). A systematic review and meta-analysis of parental depression, antidepressant
usage, antisocial personality disorder, and stress and anxiety as risk factors for attentiondeficit/
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Prevention Science, 25(Suppl 2), 272-290.
7) Lin, Y. H., Tsai, S. J., Bai, Y. M., Chen, T. J., & Chen, M. H. (2025). Risk of
neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring of parents with
major depressive disorder: a birth cohort study. Journal of Autism and
Developmental Disorders, 55(11), 4009-4017.
8) San Bernardino County, Fetal and Infant Mortality Review data.

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