Pregnancy can bring many different emotions, both joyful and overwhelming. Moms who get the support and help they need have healthier babies. It’s common to struggle or not feel like yourself during pregnancy or up to a year after (sometimes called postpartum). You might need something simple to help you feel better, like more sleep, help from family and friends, or to focus more on your nutrition. But it may be something more. Depression and mood disorders are treatable, but will not likely go away on their own. You might need counseling, therapy, or medication to help you feel better. Reach out for help if you haven’t felt like yourself for more than 2 or 3 weeks after having a baby, or find it hard to take care of your baby or yourself. You and your baby deserve to be well!

Did you know?

Depression and anxiety are the most common complications of childbirth. It can happen anytime during pregnancy and up to 1 year after you have a baby (postpartum). About 1 in 8 Utah women are affected by postpartum depression after they have a baby. And about 1 in 3 Utah women will experience either depression during pregnancy, anxiety during pregnancy, or postpartum depression (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System).

You may struggle with mental and emotional health concerns (sometimes called mood disorders), like:
● Depression
● Anxiety
● Bipolar disorder
● Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
● Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
● Psychosis
About 80% of women get “the baby blues” after they have a baby. However, mood disorders are different from the “baby blues.” If you don’t feel like yourself 2 or 3 weeks after having a baby or find it hard to take care of your baby or yourself, it may be something more than the baby blues. Find a healthcare provider who specializes in maternal mental health and mood disorders during pregnancy.

Suicide and accidental drug overdose are the leading causes of pregnancy-associated deaths (a death that happens during pregnancy or in the first year after a pregnancy) in Utah. Together, they accounted for one-third (36.8%) of all pregnancy-associated deaths between 2017 and 2020. Most of these deaths could have been prevented. The Utah Maternal Mortality Review Committee found that 7 out of 10 pregnancy-associated deaths were preventable. Many pregnant or postpartum women who died struggled with a mental health condition. Mental health conditions played a part in nearly half (43.7%) of all pregnancy-associated deaths in Utah. It’s important to remember that mental health conditions can be treated and there are many free resources and supports to help you. Family members and loved ones can take action to help support pregnant and postpartum women’s mental health.
What should I do to help someone who is struggling with a maternal mental
health condition?

● Educate yourself: Learn about perinatal mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and psychosis. Knowing the common signs and symptoms, such as excessive worry, sudden mood swings, or loss of interest in activities, will help you identify when a loved one may be struggling. Understand that these are real medical conditions, not a sign of weakness.
● Start the conversation: Create a safe and non-judgmental space for your loved one to talk. You can ask open-ended questions like, “How are you really feeling today?” or “This must be a lot to handle, are you getting enough support?” Listen to their answers without trying to “fix” everything immediately.
● Offer practical help: The day-to-day challenges of new parenthood often make it difficult for parents to prioritize their mental health. Offer specific help like preparing meals, watching the baby so they can nap, running errands, or doing household chores. This reduces their stress and allows them time to rest and recharge.
● Encourage professional help: If you notice warning signs, gently encourage your loved one to seek professional help from a doctor or therapist. You can offer to help them find a provider, make an appointment, or even go with them to the visit. You can also offer to take care of the baby during a virtual or in-person therapy session.
● Prioritize safety: In severe cases, especially if there are any signs of self-harm or thoughts of suicide, it is crucial to act immediately. Call 988 or seek emergency help. You should also safely store away any lethal means like firearms or certain medications.
● Improve perinatal mental health screening: Providers should use a validated tool to screen for mental health conditions at every prenatal and postpartum visit, including after pregnancy loss.

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it is a brave thing to do. It takes a lot of strength to admit that you’re not OK and need help. But, with help from family, friends, and doctors, you can feel better.

Links to websites or resources

Suicide and crisis lifeline – 988
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 1-833-TLC-MAMA

Maternal Infant Health Program Mental Health
Postparto Support International
Postpartum Support International Utah
Utah Association of Counties Receiving Centers
MIHP Birth Trauma