Maternal mental health has a huge impact on new moms and their babies. The period surrounding pregnancy and childbirth, known as the perinatal period, is a time of significant change and adjustment.
Postpartum mental health issues are commonly known, but these can also appear in prepartum (during pregnancy). This is a time when many moms are at an increased risk of developing mental health conditions.
If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, please seek help immediately. Here are emergency resources:
Call or text 988 Suicide Hotline
Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Counselors speak English and Spanish, with interpreters who speak 60 different languages.
Use this guide to learn how to take care of your mental health in this new chapter (or to better understand the moms) in your life!
1. Maternal Mental Health Issues Are Common
Mental health issues during the perinatal period are more common than many people realize. One in seven women experience postpartum depression, and up to 20% of women experience significant depressive symptoms during pregnancy.
This is why screening and early intervention are important. Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder can also affect pregnant and postpartum women.
Hot Tip: Learn more about each of these in this booklet, or for more information, visit Oklahoma's maternal mental health website.
Ever heard of baby blues? 4 out of 5 mothers will experience the “baby blues” or feelings of inexplainable sadness. The baby blues usually subside by week two of postpartum. Learn more about the baby blues here. Remember, you’re not alone! Many moms are battling these challenges every day.
2. Maternal Mental Health Impacts Your Baby Too
For new moms, struggling with mental health can lead to difficulty with daily tasks and bonding with their babies.
For infants, the risks of their moms dealing with a mental health condition can include preterm birth, low birth weight and developmental delays. Early detection and treatment can help promote health for moms and their kids.
If you’re experiencing perinatal mental health challenges, reach out for support. A healthy parent makes for a healthy baby.
3. Risk Factors and Signs
There are a few risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing maternal mental health issues:
A history of mental health disorders
Lack of social support
Stressful life events
Complications during pregnancy or childbirth
If you’ve experienced any of these risk factors, be sure to keep a close eye on how you’re feeling. If you’re feeling persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, changes in appetite and difficulty bonding with your baby for more than a few weeks, it’s important to ask for help.
Hot Tip: Sometimes these symptoms occur with no explanation! Pregnancy and birth are powered by intense hormones, which can seriously affect your mental health.
4. Screening and Assessment
Regular mental health screenings allow you to get the help you need when you need it before and after your pregnancy. If you’re concerned about how you’ve been feeling, schedule an appointment with your provider or visit your County Health Department.
There are many treatment options and what everyone needs is particular to them and their situation. Taking care of our mental health early as mothers will lead to the best outcomes for our babies.
Hot Tip: As you and your baby grow, your baby will take notice of your efforts to care for yourself. This is a great opportunity to set a good example for your child! Learn more on how to promote self-care with littles here, or find a maternal mental health specialist in your area.
5. Treatment Options
For many women, anxiety and depression symptoms will subside within the first year of their baby’s life. Those pesky hormones will eventually regulate themselves and allow your brain to process as it normally would.
However, there are many treatments for mental health issues like therapy, medication and social support. In some cases, medication may be helpful.
If you’re considering medication, here are some questions you might ask your doctor:
What are the benefits of taking medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
What are the risks?
What are some common symptoms I might experience while taking medication?
How do I know when I no longer need medication?
Hot Tip: Be sure to try natural treatments! Getting exercise, eating whole foods and spending time in nature are a few ways to naturally induce oxytocin and endorphins (the happy hormones your body needs more of in the perinatal period).
6. Community Resources and Support
In addition to your healthcare team, family, friends and support groups including other new moms can play a huge role in your recovery process and in maintaining good mental health.
Check out these resources:
Hot Tip: Online therapists are available to fit your schedule! Check out BetterHelp or TalkSpace for more virtual options and be sure to check if your insurance covers them.
Just want to know you’re not alone? Try following these Instagram accounts:
When we take care of our mental health, our babies thrive! Talking with your healthcare provider regularly, leaning on your community and finding other moms to talk to helps you take care of yourself and your baby.
You got this! Need more support? Take our quiz for more.