Perinatal mental health
Depression and anxiety during pregnancy or after birth are common and treatable.
What it is
Perinatal mental health covers depression and anxiety during pregnancy and in the year after birth. It's far more common than the silence around it suggests, and it's distinct from the brief “baby blues” many new parents experience in the first couple of weeks.
Common signs
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or numbness that doesn't lift
- Intrusive, frightening thoughts about the baby's safety
- Feeling disconnected from the baby or from yourself
- Overwhelming guilt about not feeling the way you “should”
- Anxiety that interferes with sleep, even when the baby is sleeping
Good to know
Perinatal depression and anxiety are not a reflection of how much someone loves their baby or wants to be a parent — they're driven by major hormonal, physical, and life changes, and they respond well to treatment.
What helps
Treatment is similar to depression and anxiety at any other time — therapy, sometimes medication (many options are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which is worth discussing directly with a provider rather than assuming otherwise), and practical support with the realities of early parenting.
When to seek help
Don't wait for it to pass on its own. Talk to a care provider, or reach out to Postpartum Support International, especially if there are any frightening thoughts involved.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you're in crisis, go to Get Help Now instead of reading further.