Suicide is dominant reason for expecting mother's death in Japan

Approximately a third of deceased mothers or expecting mothers in Japan took her life, a new study revealed.

The Japan News: 30% of new mom deaths from suicide / Depression, economic hardship cited as factors

According to the article above, the researchers examined 357 fatal cases of pregnant or after giving birth. Among them, 102 women committed suicide. Cancer and heart diseases are following as the reason for the death.

Is it a shocking report? I do not think so, because other problems than suicide might be well managed, on the other hand.

The quality of medicine in Japan is generally high. The mortality rate of infants is the lowest in the world. Proper care is provided to pregnant women at least physically.

In contrast, postnatal depression is still underestimated in Japanese clinical settings. Expecting mothers are also not concerned about the risk. There is a casual term "maternity blue" in Japan. This word sounds quite light, but actually becomes a reason of unexpected death. More enlightenment is needed.