BEIJING — Beijing has introduced mental health assessments for pregnant women to provide them with better mental health care, according to the Beijing Daily on Dec 11.

Maternal depression threatens the physical and mental health of both the pregnant women and the fetus.

According to a plan released by the Beijing Municipal Health Commission, the city will conduct regular mental health screening so that pregnant women with mental health issues can receive timely treatment.

Pregnant women in Beijing are advised to answer mental health screening questions during their pregnancy and 42 days after delivery. If the screening shows signs of mental health problems, they will be recommended for psychological counseling or further treatment.

Maternal and child health care institutions should provide psychological counseling services for pregnant women. They can cooperate with hospitals specializing in mental care and provide referral services for those in need.

Beijing will also improve its service for maternal mental health care by setting up professional working teams composed of obstetricians, psychiatrists and maternal and child health care physicians.