Dr. Melissa Drake, MD, FACOG discusses the critical intersection of nutrition and perinatal mental health. Dr. Drake explains the full spectrum of perinatal mental health conditions, the warning signs that require immediate intervention, and evidence-based nutritional strategies to support maternal mental health throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Valid through 11/25/28
Valid through 3/15/27
Valid through 1/31/2028
This enduring activity (Type 741) awards 1.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider # 1816, 1.0 Contact Hours.
Provider approved by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians for 1.0 CEs. NDs in Oregon, please see FAQ
Dr. Melissa Drake is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist in Santa Barbara. After completing her residency at George Washington University in Washington, DC, she moved to California and built her practice. As an old-fashioned solo practitioner in modern medicine, Dr. Drake offers personal attention and strong, direct relationships to build trust and encourage patients to cultivate their own power. She is a firm believer in trauma-informed care, patient autonomy, and ensuring that patients have a care team, not just a care provider. Her goal has always been to provide a secure haven in the hospital setting and a judgment-free zone to women and families as they make informed choices about pregnancy and birth. She has a deep respect for nurses, midwives, doulas, and other birthworkers. For Dr. Drake, teamwork in obstetrics is a way to regain the lost art of birth as a community practice.
Disclosure: Dr. Drake is a Needed advisor and has an equity interest in the company.
Identify the prevalence and scope of perinatal mental health disorders
Analyze the critical roles of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), choline, and B vitamins in maternal mental health and fetal neurodevelopment, including their mechanisms of action
Zhang MM et al. The efficacy and safety of omega-3 fatty acids on depressive symptoms in perinatal women: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Transl Psychiatry. 2020;10(1):193. doi:10.1038/s41398-020-00886-3.
Huang L et al. Effects of dietary interventions on perinatal depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022;116(4):1071–1089. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqac175.
Bertozzi-Villa C et al. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders: evidence-based approaches to screening and management during pregnancy and postpartum. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2025;52(1):11–32. doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2024.10.002.
Cox JL et al. Detection of postnatal depression: development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Br J Psychiatry. 1987;150:782–786. doi:10.1192/bjp.150.6.782.
Fawcett EJ et al. The prevalence of anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period: a multivariate Bayesian meta-analysis. J Clin Psychiatry. 2019;80(4):18r12527. doi:10.4088/JCP.18r12527.
Sparling TM et al. The role of diet and nutritional supplementation in perinatal depression: a systematic review. Matern Child Nutr. 2017;13(1):e12235. doi:10.1111/mcn.12235.
Gould JF et al. The effect of prenatal DHA supplementation on infant outcomes: a review of the evidence. Nutrients. 2021;13(1):226. doi:10.3390/nu13010226.
Trujillo J et al. A systematic review of the associations between maternal nutritional biomarkers and depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum. J Affect Disord. 2018;232:185–203. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.02.004.
