What grade did the USPSTF assign to perinatal depression counseling for at‑risk pregnant and postpartum women?

• A. Grade B
• B. Grade A
• C. Grade C
• D. Grade D

Answer: (A)

Understanding how USPSTF grades preventive services helps interpret why this item is graded at the highest level. A Grade A means there is high certainty that the net benefit of the service is substantial, and clinicians should offer or provide the service.

For perinatal depression counseling aimed at at‑risk pregnant and postpartum women, the evidence shows that targeted counseling—such as psychotherapy or structured psychoeducation—significantly reduces the risk of developing depressive symptoms and major depressive disorder during the perinatal period, with accompanying improvements in maternal functioning and potential downstream benefits for infants. The harms are minimal, mainly related to time, access, and availability of trained counselors, and do not offset the substantial benefits. Because the balance of benefits to harms is consistently favorable across well-conducted studies, the USPSTF awards this service the highest level, signaling a strong recommendation to implement it in at‑risk populations.