Taking Care of your Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

I feel like I have been seeing more and more in the news regarding perinatal and postpartum mental health. Are more people getting these symptoms? Doubtful. But, more people are TALKING about it, even celebrities.

For so long people have suffered in silence with pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders feeling like something must be wrong with them. “Why am I not enjoying this pregnancy?” “Why don’t I feel like I’ve got the pregnancy glow?” “Do other people feel like this during pregnancy?” It is amazing what happens when people start talking to one another honestly and when people begin living their truth. Suddenly people realize they are not alone, they did not do anything wrong, there is a whole community full of information and support available.

While most women experience mild mood changes during or after pregnancy, around 15-20% of women experience significant symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Perinatal mood disorders do not discriminate. They can happen to anyone of any culture, income level, education level, or age. It is so important to check in with your provider if you have any concerns regarding your mood at any time, not just during or around pregnancy. There are resources available to help you through this time. The first step is just talking about it.

Written by Nicole Uzendoski, MSW, LICSW