Looking after your mental health, before and after birth
Pregnancy and new parenthood bring big feelings. Learn how the baby blues differ from depression and anxiety, what helps, and when to get help straight away.
Pregnancy and the months after birth bring big changes: to your body, your sleep, your relationships and how you see yourself. It's normal to feel a mix of joy, worry, love and overwhelm. For some people those feelings grow into something more, and that's common too. Depression and anxiety are among the most common health problems in pregnancy and after birth, and they can be treated.
The baby blues
In the first days after birth, many people feel tearful, anxious, irritable or low. This is known as the baby blues, and it's linked to hormone changes, tiredness and the size of what has just happened. It usually passes on its own within about two weeks. Rest, food and support help.
Depression and anxiety
Depression and anxiety can start during pregnancy or at any time in the first year after birth. They're not a sign of weakness or of being a bad parent. Signs include:
Some people have unwanted, upsetting thoughts about harm coming to their baby. These are common, and having them doesn't mean you'll act on them. If they're distressing, tell your midwife or doctor, who will understand.
A difficult or frightening birth can also leave you with flashbacks, nightmares or strong anxiety. That deserves support too.
Getting help
Tell your midwife, doctor or your baby's pediatrician how you're really feeling. They ask about mood because these conditions are common, and they can offer support, talk therapy and other treatment. If medicine is suggested, your doctor will talk the options through with you, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you've had mental health problems before, tell your team early in pregnancy, so they can plan extra support. If you already take medicine for your mental health, don't stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.
Many areas have specialist perinatal mental health teams, peer support groups and helplines for expecting and new parents. Your midwife or doctor can tell you what's available near you. It can also help to tell someone close to you what the warning signs are, so they can notice if you're struggling.
Small things that help
Partners and other close family can have depression and anxiety too. If you're supporting someone, gently encourage them to get help, and look after yourself as well.
When it's urgent
Postpartum psychosis is rare but serious, and it needs emergency care. It usually starts suddenly in the first weeks after birth. Signs include confusion, seeing or hearing things that aren't there, believing things that aren't true, feeling very high or restless, or behaving out of character.
If you or someone close to you shows signs of postpartum psychosis, or has thoughts of harming themselves or their baby, call emergency services or a crisis line now, or go to the nearest emergency room. Don't wait for an appointment.
Save a crisis line number in your phone now, along with your midwife's or doctor's number, so it's there if you ever need it.
For information only — not medical advice. If something doesn't feel right, contact your midwife or doctor.
Sources
NHS — Your pregnancy and baby guide (nhs.uk/pregnancy)
ACOG — Patient FAQs (acog.org/womens-health/faqs)
WHO — Recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience
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