What Is Maternal Mental Health?
Maternal mental health is all about how women feel emotionally and mentally during pregnancy and after giving birth. It’s normal to experience some mood swings and stress during this time. But for some women, those feelings are more severe and don’t go away on their own.
What to Watch For
“Maternal mental health issues can show up at any time during pregnancy and even up to 3 years after birth,” notes Jennifer C. Wells, MD, director of Women's Mental Health Services at Carilion Clinic.
Maternal anxiety and depression are 2 of the most common conditions among new and expecting moms, impacting up to 1 in 5 women.
- Depression: This is more than just the “baby blues.” Depression can leave moms feeling hopeless, uninterested, extra exhausted and disconnected from their kids and other loved ones.
- Anxiety: This usually shows up as excessive worrying, feeling “on edge” or physical symptoms like heart palpitations. Anxiety can occur with or without depression.
Who’s at Risk?
“Mental health disorders don’t discriminate,” notes Dr. Wells. “They can happen to anyone.”
There's no single cause of maternal mental health issues, but certain factors can play a role:
- Hormonal changes
- Lack of sleep
- Not feeling supported
- Past mental health struggles
- A tough pregnancy or delivery
- Financial or relationship stress
Sometimes, even when everything seems fine, mental health conditions still show up.
Getting Help
Struggling with mental health doesn’t make you a bad mom—it makes you human. It’s important to speak up about how you’re feeling and seek support when needed.
There are several things that can help, including:
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and talk therapy are often effective for treating depression and anxiety.
- Medicine: Your doctor may recommend antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicines. “There are medicines available that are safe both during pregnancy and while breastfeeding,” Dr. Wells explains.
- Support groups: Connecting with other moms going through similar experiences can help you feel less alone. Postpartum Virginia has a year-round phone line that you can call or text to get support from other moms.
- Taking care of yourself: Even small things like regularly taking showers, going for walks or eating nourishing meals can help.
If you're a new mom (or about to be one) and your mental health is interfering with your everyday life, don’t wait—reach out to your family doctor or obstetrician today so you can get back to feeling your best.
If you need immediate help, please visit the nearest Emergency Department or contact:
- Carilion Clinic CONNECT – 540-981-8181
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 988
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – 1-833-TLC-MAMA (6262)
