This systematic review evaluates the maternal and infant outcomes of untreated maternal postpartum depression (PPD). The study included 122 studies published between 2005 and 2016, focusing on the physical, psychological, and social consequences of PPD. Key findings include: 1. **Maternal Consequences**: - Physical health: Depressed mothers scored lower on health surveys and had higher rates of weight retention. - Psychological health: Depressed mothers reported lower mood scores, anxiety, and depression compared to non-depressed mothers. - Quality of life: Depressed mothers had lower quality of life scores and perceived more stress and negative life events. - Relationships: Depressed mothers experienced more relationship difficulties and reported less social support. - Risky behaviors: Depressed mothers were more likely to engage in smoking and suicidal ideation. 2. **Infant Consequences**: - Anthropometry: Infants of depressed mothers gained less weight and had stunted growth in some studies. - Infant health: Infants of depressed mothers had more health concerns, including diarrhea and pain. - Sleep: Infants of depressed mothers had more night-time awakenings and sleep disorders. - Motor development: Some studies showed impaired motor development in infants of depressed mothers. - Cognitive development: Cognitive development was negatively affected by maternal PPD. - Language development: Language development was influenced by maternal PPD, with some studies showing negative effects. - Emotional development: Infants of depressed mothers had higher fear scores and emotional disorders. - Social development: Social engagement and social withdrawal were negatively affected by maternal PPD. - Behavioral development: Infants of depressed mothers exhibited more behavioral problems and negative traits. 3. **Mother-Child Interactions**: - Bonding and attachment: Maternal depression negatively impacted mother-infant bonding and attachment. - Breastfeeding: Depressed mothers were more likely to discontinue breastfeeding and engage in less-healthy feeding practices. - Maternal role: Depressed mothers showed less healthy practices with their infants and lower perceptions of their competence. The review concludes that untreated PPD creates an environment that is detrimental to both maternal and infant well-being, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment to avoid harmful consequences.This systematic review evaluates the maternal and infant outcomes of untreated maternal postpartum depression (PPD). The study included 122 studies published between 2005 and 2016, focusing on the physical, psychological, and social consequences of PPD. Key findings include: 1. **Maternal Consequences**: - Physical health: Depressed mothers scored lower on health surveys and had higher rates of weight retention. - Psychological health: Depressed mothers reported lower mood scores, anxiety, and depression compared to non-depressed mothers. - Quality of life: Depressed mothers had lower quality of life scores and perceived more stress and negative life events. - Relationships: Depressed mothers experienced more relationship difficulties and reported less social support. - Risky behaviors: Depressed mothers were more likely to engage in smoking and suicidal ideation. 2. **Infant Consequences**: - Anthropometry: Infants of depressed mothers gained less weight and had stunted growth in some studies. - Infant health: Infants of depressed mothers had more health concerns, including diarrhea and pain. - Sleep: Infants of depressed mothers had more night-time awakenings and sleep disorders. - Motor development: Some studies showed impaired motor development in infants of depressed mothers. - Cognitive development: Cognitive development was negatively affected by maternal PPD. - Language development: Language development was influenced by maternal PPD, with some studies showing negative effects. - Emotional development: Infants of depressed mothers had higher fear scores and emotional disorders. - Social development: Social engagement and social withdrawal were negatively affected by maternal PPD. - Behavioral development: Infants of depressed mothers exhibited more behavioral problems and negative traits. 3. **Mother-Child Interactions**: - Bonding and attachment: Maternal depression negatively impacted mother-infant bonding and attachment. - Breastfeeding: Depressed mothers were more likely to discontinue breastfeeding and engage in less-healthy feeding practices. - Maternal role: Depressed mothers showed less healthy practices with their infants and lower perceptions of their competence. The review concludes that untreated PPD creates an environment that is detrimental to both maternal and infant well-being, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment to avoid harmful consequences.