This presentation provides an overview of the self-report instruments commonly used to assess depressive symptoms in childbearing women. The clinical application, cultural application, timeframe for use, and specific dimension of depression measured with the most commonly used instruments will be discussed. Instrument reliability, validity, and context will be addressed. Instruments covered will include the: Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale.