Suicidal ideation during the perinatal period: An umbrella review of prevalence and risk factors

The perinatal period involves significant psychological changes that increase women's vulnerability to mental health disorders, including suicidal ideation. This umbrella review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024596880), aimed to synthesize evidence on the prevalence of suicidal ideation during this period and its associated risk factors. A search was conducted up to November 2024. Systematic reviews focusing on suicidal ideation and attempts during the perinatal period were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool, and overlap was measured using the Corrected Covered Area (8.31%). Ten reviews were analyzed. Prevalence of suicidal ideation ranged from 7.2% to 12%, and suicide attempts from 4% to 5.1%. Common risk factors included poor sleep quality, intimate partner violence, low socioeconomic status, prior mental health disorders, and limited social support. Standardized screening and targeted interventions are important for improving maternal mental health outcomes.