Time of change: Health effects of motherhood

Fabian Dehos, Marie Paul, Wiebke Schäfer and Karolin Süß

No 1079, Ruhr Economic Papers from RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen

Abstract: This paper combines German claims and survey data to provide a comprehensive picture of the health dynamics surrounding the transition into motherhood. Event-study estimates reveal good mental health around birth, but declines afterward, as reflected by increasing mental illness diagnoses and antidepressant and psychotherapy use during the first four years of motherhood. Painkillers, headaches, obesity, and other potentially stress-related physical illnesses, as well as survey evidence on well-being, show a similar pattern. A sustained reduction in sleep, sports, and other leisure activities, coupled with childcare obligations and possible psychosocial distress, may contribute to the long-term adverse effects of motherhood.

Keywords: Maternal health; mental health; claims data (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I10 I12 J13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-hea
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https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/298846/1/1891263986.pdf (application/pdf)

Related works:
Working Paper: Time of Change: Health Effects of Motherhood (2024)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:rwirep:298846

DOI: 10.4419/96973252

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