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MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Mental health conditions during pregnancy and early parenthood can affect anyone, regardless of background. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders don’t have a single cause — they usually come from a mix of hormonal shifts, sleep loss, and the stress of a major life change. Knowing the signs is the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
KNOW THE RISKS
RISK FACTORS
Getting used to being a parent is hard work on its own. Add a difficult birth, a colicky baby, or a run of sleepless nights, and stress can build quickly. None of these guarantee a mental health condition will develop — but they’re worth watching for.
Past obstetric complications
Severe baby blues
Difficulty breastfeeding
Being a single parent
History of miscarriage
Anxious or perfectionist tendencies
Premature baby or health concerns
Being a teen parent
Stressful or unplanned pregnancy
Low self-esteem
Ongoing lack of sleep
Long or complicated labor
Parenting multiples
An unsettled baby
WHAT HELPS PROTECT
PROTECTIVE FACTORS
If risk factors chip away at mental health, protective factors build it back up. They can strengthen resilience and shape how someone weathers the challenges above.
20%
of women experience significant symptoms of depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy. With informed care, these symptoms can be prevented from worsening — and full recovery is possible.
Past obstetric complications
Stressful or unplanned pregnancy
Severe baby blues
History of miscarriage
Long or complicated labor
Anxious or perfectionist tendencies
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS
WHAT DOES A PMAD LOOK LIKE?
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) show up differently for everyone, and only a health care professional can diagnose one. Common signs include:
Feeling sad, hopeless, empty, or overwhelmed
Worrying or feeling overly anxious
Trouble sleeping, even when the baby sleeps
Anger or rage that feels out of proportion
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Changes in appetite or unexplained weight change
Trouble bonding with the baby
Crying more than usual, or for no clear reason
Feeling moody, irritable, or on edge
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Frequent conflict with a partner
Unexplained aches, headaches, or stomach issues
Withdrawing from friends and family
Persistent doubt about your ability to care for baby
FIND SUPPORT
WHERE TO GET HELP
Don’t wait to reach out, whether it’s for yourself or someone you care about. Learning the signs is already the first step.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP RIGHT NOW -- OUR OFFICE NUMBER IS NOT A SUICIDE HOTLINE!
You are not alone, and you will not be judged for asking for help. Recovery is possible with the right support.