What you must know about maternal* mental health
*And dads too--everyone deserves to feel good!
May is Maternal Mental Health Month—a time to shine a light on the emotional well-being of those navigating pregnancy and the postpartum period. As an OBGYN, I want to share some essential insights and resources to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered. Content warning: I will be discussing suicide in this newsletter. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or know someone who is, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. The more we talk about mental health, the less stigmatizing it becomes —so please keep talking and sharing! -Dr. Jen
What every parent-to-be needs to know about mental health
Did you know that 1 in 5 women experience a mental health issue during pregnancy or after giving birth? These are one of the most common complications of childbirth—not infection, preterm labor, or preeclampsia—so let’s talk about it:
It can be a life-or-death problem. Maternal mental health disorders are the leading cause of death in pregnancy and postpartum in the United States.
Not just postpartum depression: Yes, these disorders include postpartum depression (PPD), but it also includes postpartum anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and, in rare cases, postpartum psychosis. Watch my video below to learn more about what these disorders are, when they show up, and the treatments we have to help:
And not just postpartum. These struggles can begin during pregnancy, too. That’s why you’ll often see the term perinatal used; it refers to the entire period from pregnancy through the first year after birth, capturing both prenatal and postpartum experiences.
Not just moms: Dads and partners are at risk, too. This is why it’s important that they are screened for these issues. Some pediatrician offices do just this and can become a lifeline when it comes to diagnosis and referrals. If your pediatrician or OBGYN doesn’t offer screening for dads, maybe you could bring it up and ask them to consider this…
Underdiagnosis: An estimated 50% of birthing parents with PPD don’t get diagnosed by a healthcare professional, and 75% never receive the treatment they need. This is terrible, because perinatal mental health conditions are very treatable when recognized.
Timing: The highest risk for developing maternal mental health conditions is between 3 to 6 months postpartum, with the highest risk of suicide occurring between 6 to 9 months postpartum. And yes—this is long after what society wants us to think is “postpartum”, right?
Economic Impact: Untreated maternal mental health disorders are estimated to cost the U.S. $14.2 billion annually due to lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and other factors.
Q&A: Last pregnancy my OBGYN just asked if I was feeling OK at my 6-week check-up. Is that really the best way to make sure I don’t have PPD?
A: You're not alone in wondering that—many new parents feel the same way. While asking “Are you feeling OK?” is a start, it’s not enough. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that providers use validated screening tools—like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale—at least once during the perinatal period to better identify those who may be struggling. So I am sorry you didn’t get that.
You can actually screen yourself with the tool I mentioned above by going here. Bonus points if you have your partner take it as well—so everyone’s getting the follow-up they need.
Remember this potentially life-saving tip: If you feel your emotional well-being isn’t being fully addressed, it’s absolutely OK to speak up or ask for a referral. You deserve to feel supported—not just physically, but emotionally too. Better screening leads to better care.
Want to get your question answered in the BBC newsletter? Send me a message and I’ll incorporate them into future newsletters!
*no personalized medical advice*
Spotlight On: Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Postpartum Support International (PSI) is a fantastic nonprofit dedicated to promoting awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing. Their mission is to support individuals and families experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
What they offer:
24/7 HelpLine: Free, confidential support via call or text at 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD), available in English and Spanish.
Online Support Groups: Weekly virtual meetings led by trained facilitators, covering topics like pregnancy mood support, postpartum depression, and NICU parents. They also have social media groups, online chats, peer mentor programs, and more.
Local Coordinators: A network of volunteers across all 50 states and internationally, connecting individuals to local resources and support.
Amazing Resources: Information on perinatal mental health conditions, treatment options, and self-help strategies. They even have specific resources for adoptee parents, dads, military or BIPOC folks, loss parents, and so many more.
As an OBGYN, PSI is always my go-to resource when helping patients navigate mental health issues, or if I need reliable information myself. Please tell everyone you know about them!
Until next time,
Dr. Jen