Maternal Mental Health

Maternal mental health disorders typically occur in what is called the perinatal period. This includes the prenatal period (during pregnancy), and the postpartum period (the first year after the baby has been born). Depression and anxiety that happen during pregnancy or anytime during the first year after the birth of your baby are medical conditions. These fe​elings are not something you caused by doing or not doing something. And, they can be treated if you seek help.

Researchers believe that depression is one of the most common problems women experience during and after pregnancy. If you are struggling, you're not alone.

Signs of Anxiety or Depression:

• Extremely sad or angry without warning
• Foggy or have trouble completing tasks
• "Robotic," like they are just going through the motions
• Very anxious around the baby and their other children
• Guilty and like they are failing at motherhood
• Unusually irritable or angry
• Little interest in things they used to enjoy
• Scary, upsetting thoughts that don't go away

It is important to remember depression and anxiety that happen during pregnancy or after the birth of your baby are not things you cause—they are medical conditions that require medical care.

Educational Videos

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety and Depression

When to Call the Doctor: Postpartum Depression

Loss and Bereavement
Our mental health professionals are available to support pregnant and postpartum women and families or those who have experienced loss and bereavement. With immediate appointments available, you won’t have to wait to get the help that you deserve.

Substance Use & Pregnancy
Opioid use in pregnancy has increased in recent years. Pregnancy provides an important opportunity to identify and treat women with substance use disorders. Our maternal mental health specialist, licensed addiction counselor and maternal fetal medicine specialists work in partnership with the pregnant woman to provide long-term care which includes medical, developmental and social support services. Early treatment of pregnant women with opioid use and opioid use disorder improve maternal and infant outcomes.