Maternal mental health, also known as perinatal mental health, refers to a mother’s overall emotional, social, and mental well-being, both during and after pregnancy. As many as one in five women will have mood and anxiety disorders while pregnant, with the most common being depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, only about 10% of pregnant women will seek treatment for these concerns. Mental health concerns can be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social stressors, such as lack of support, a family history, or a previous experience with these disorders.
Our thanks to Kelly Gilrain, PhD, Chief Psychologist, Director of Behavioral Medicine, and Clinical Health Psychologist with Hospital Medicine for providing the Q&A below.
What should women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant know about maternal mental health?
If you have a previous history of mental health concerns, these may be exacerbated during a pregnancy due to physical and psychological changes that can occur during this time period. Additionally, risks for not treating emotional distress during pregnancy can impact both baby (premature birth, low birth weight, and cognitive deficits) and mother (poor prenatal care, advancement of emotional distress after delivery, and increased risk of substance abuse).
What is “normal” when it comes to maternal mental health?
Mild changes in mood, behavior, and thoughts would be considered “normal” during this time period as these would also be considered normative during any adjustment period throughout life.
What mood or behavior should concern you (or your partner)?
As with any emotional or psychological distress, if you notice that a significant change in your mood or behaviors begin to impact your work, your home life and your relationships, it is time to explore it a bit further with your medical or mental health providers. If you notice low mood, lack of interest in things that you previously enjoyed, difficulty with anxiety, and notable distress that impacts sleep, please be sure to speak to your OB-GYN to connect you with mental health supports.
Who do you call or how do you find help if you’re struggling?
If you are in crisis, call 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.
For those who see providers at Cooper for their OB/GYN Care, they can ask their provider to put in a referral for our team.