Mental health during and after pregnancy

Fluctuating hormones, physical changes, and everyday worries can trigger difficult emotions for some pregnant people. Just like your physical health, your mental well-being is important. For example, untreated depression can make it hard to eat well or make it to prenatal appointments. That can have a negative impact on the baby’s health. 

If you’re feeling sad or overwhelmed, don’t wait to get help. Talk about your feelings with your family, friends, and doctors. At Kaiser Permanente, there’s no wrong person to turn to. Anyone on your care team can help guide you to a care option that’s right for you.

This is an important time to care for your mental health. Emotional challenges during and after pregnancy can make it hard to adjust to changes in your life — whether it’s too little sleep or difficulty feeding your baby. People who struggle with substance use or addiction can be especially vulnerable during this time. Getting support helps to keep you and your baby safe.

If you’re managing a mental health condition during pregnancy, such as anxiety or depression, your doctor can address those needs in your care plan. For example, they can help you decide whether to stay on an antidepressant medication or start a new type of treatment. 

Even when you’re feeling your best, taking care of yourself can help keep you and your baby healthy. Getting better sleep, drinking plenty of water, staying active, and eating healthy food you enjoy will help protect your physical and mental health.

Self-care can reduce stress and improve your mood during and after pregnancy. Try to make a little time for yourself every day:

• Do something you enjoy — listen to music, read, journal, or talk to a friend
• Go outside for some fresh air and sunshine 
• Exercise — go for a walk, swim, or try yoga
• Try breathing exercises or a wellness app

It’s also important to surround yourself with supportive people who listen and offer encouragement. Get to know other new and expecting parents in a support group or prenatal class. If you’re in a relationship, talk with your partner about the hopes, worries, and anxieties you each have. They may share your feelings about becoming a parent. We encourage you to bring your partner or a support person to your doctor visits. We can connect you both to the right support for your mental well-being.

The first weeks after giving birth can be hard. Your body has gone through an intense physical experience, and it needs time to heal. 

It can be hard to tell the difference between the emotional ups and downs of early postpartum — often called the “baby blues” — and the more serious symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety. The baby blues are caused by hormonal shifts, the stress of recovery, and the demands of the first few days. They usually go away within 2 weeks. Postpartum depression begins later, anytime from a few weeks to a year after birth. Other mental health symptoms can also begin during this time. For example, some new parents may have difficulty with unwanted thoughts or fears that won’t go away.  

To check on your mental health, your doctor and your baby’s pediatrician will ask you questions about how you’re feeling. They can track your symptoms, see if you’re doing better or worse over time, and connect you to the care you need — including a new-parent support group, medication, or a therapist. Getting support can make all the difference for you and your baby. And feeling better can give you more energy to take care of yourself and be the kind of parent you want to be.