You’re about to have a new baby to love, or your bundle of joy is thriving. So why can this time feel unexpectedly difficult?

Prenatal depression (depression that occurs during pregnancy) and postpartum depression (depression that occurs after the baby is born) are both common, affecting up to 20% of pregnant women and new mothers each year.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring many significant physical and emotional changes, often leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. TopLine MD Alliance is sharing the information below to help pregnant women and their loved ones recognize the symptoms of perinatal and postpartum depression, so they can get the treatment and support they need.

With OB/GYNs, perinatal centers, and mental health specialists in the TopLine MD network, our affiliated providers are here to reduce the stigma of seeking help and encourage all mothers to prioritize their mental well-being.

How mental health affects mother and baby

A checklist for a healthy pregnancy: nutritious diet, exercise routine, prenatal doctor visits, and a good mood?

Yes, a pregnant woman’s mental health is directly linked to the healthy development of her baby. Untreated mental health issues during pregnancy, including depression, can lead to complications like premature delivery, low birth weight, and even behavioral or cognitive delays.

Prenatal and postpartum depression symptoms

Pregnancy glow is a real thing, but mothers are not always glowing on the inside.

Being pregnant can change just about every aspect of your life and often does, leaving mothers-to-be feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Things don’t necessarily get easier after the baby is born due to dramatic hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and the immense stress of caring for a newborn.

If you’re one of the millions of mothers who experience depression symptoms during pregnancy or within weeks or months after childbirth, know that you are not alone. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. In rare cases, the symptoms may be severe enough that both the mother’s and the baby’s health and safety are at risk.

Common prenatal and postpartum depression symptoms include:

  • Feeling sad or anxious most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks
  • Feeling hopeless or worthless
  • Frequent irritability or frustration
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
  • Abnormal changes in appetite or weight
  • Aches, pains, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause
  • Memory and concentration issues
  • Difficulty sleeping (even when the baby is asleep)
  • Trouble bonding or forming an emotional attachment with the baby
  • Persistent doubts about your ability to care for the baby

These symptoms can make it challenging to carry out daily tasks, including caring for yourself or the baby. Don’t delay – visit a TopLine MD Alliance affiliated provider to determine if your symptoms are due to prenatal or postpartum depression or something else.

Postpartum depression vs. the baby blues

“Baby blues” is a general term used to describe the mild mood changes and feelings of exhaustion that most women experience in the first few weeks after giving birth. After all, babies require around-the-clock care, so it’s normal for new mothers to feel overwhelmed and even unhappy sometimes.

Any mood changes or feelings of sadness or anxiety that are severe or last longer than two weeks after childbirth could be signs of postpartum depression. And unfortunately, mothers with postpartum depression generally won’t feel better without some form of treatment.

Postpartum depression vs. anxiety

Postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms often overlap, but the key difference is that postpartum depression is marked by excessive sadness and feeling incapable of caring for yourself or your baby, while mothers with postpartum anxiety struggle more with worry and fearful thoughts. Not everyone with postpartum anxiety is also depressed.

A TopLine MD Alliance affiliated provider can review your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and suggest a treatment plan.

Postpartum depression treatment options

Postpartum depression is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both, depending on the individual’s needs.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, involves meeting with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional to develop coping strategies that help you better manage your symptoms.

Medication

Your TopLine MD Alliance affiliated provider may recommend taking an antidepressant. If you are breastfeeding, any medication you take will enter your breast milk, however, most antidepressants have very little risk of side effects for your baby.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also approved two medications specifically for postpartum depression in adult women:

  • Brexanolone, which must be administered through IV during a brief hospital stay, slows the rapid drop of certain hormones after childbirth that may cause postpartum depression.
  • Zuranolone, the first oral medication for postpartum depression, targets the same brain receptors as brexanolone. In clinical trials, zuranolone reduced symptoms in women with severe postpartum depression faster than traditional antidepressants.

When necessary, other medications may be added to your treatment. For example, if you have postpartum anxiety symptoms in addition to depression, your provider may recommend taking an anti-anxiety medication as well.

Risk factors for prenatal and postpartum depression

Whether you’re newly pregnant or will soon give birth, it’s important to know if you’re at risk. Prenatal and postpartum depression can affect any woman, regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education, and through absolutely no fault of her own.

However, there are risk factors that may contribute to prenatal or postpartum depression, including:

  • Stress caused by relationship difficulties, economic concerns, work demands, past trauma, and other life experiences
  • Physical and emotional demands of childbirth and caring for a new baby
  • Hormonal fluctuations during and after pregnancy
  • Family history of depression
  • History of prenatal or postpartum depression
  • Having a multiple birth (such as twins or triplets) or a baby with special needs

Postpartum depression screenings

Postpartum depression screenings are another valuable tool for screening your risk and ensuring that you receive proper treatment. During the screening, your provider asks a series of questions to determine if you have depression or are at risk of developing depression.

Postpartum depression screenings are often part of your routine care after childbirth. But if you have any symptoms of postpartum depression, don’t wait – contact a TopLine MD Alliance affiliated provider to get screened as soon as possible.

If you have any thoughts about suicide or harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) immediately.

Support for prenatal and postpartum depression

Becoming a mother is exhausting and stressful enough, and prenatal and postpartum depression can make the journey even more difficult. But remember, it’s never your fault.

If you are struggling with prenatal or postpartum depression, reach out to a TopLine MD Alliance affiliated provider. You may also find support groups at local hospitals, family planning clinics, or community centers. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can learn how to cope and enjoy your pregnancy or new baby to the fullest.

In addition to professional treatment, following these tips can help speed up your recovery:

  • Live a healthy lifestyle – Eat a nutritious diet, avoid alcohol, sleep as often as you can, and exercise regularly (taking your baby for a walk is a great way to get out of the house).
  • Make time for yourself – Self-care is crucial for new moms. Find time to do something you enjoy or pamper yourself with a nap or a long bath. Even 5-10 minutes of deep breathing in a calm, quiet room can work wonders.
  • Adjust your expectations – Scale back your expectations for maintaining a perfect household, and just do what you can – the rest will wait.
  • Ask for help – Open up to your family and friends if you need help. If someone offers to babysit, say yes! Other moms can be a great source of parenting advice as well.

Are you a family member or friend of a new mom? You can show your support by:

  • Watching for any signs of prenatal or postpartum depression
  • Encouraging her to visit a doctor or mental health professional if needed
  • Offering to help with childcare, chores, or errands before she asks
  • Reminding her about the importance of self-care
  • Staying connected through texts, phone calls, or quick visits
  • Letting her express how she feels without judgment
  • Validating her emotions and assuring her she’s not alone

By providing this information about prenatal and postpartum depression, we hope that more pregnant women and new moms will seek professional guidance and protect their mental health.

Your trusted resource for maternal healthcare

TopLine MD Alliance was created by physicians who came together to make healthcare experiences better for patients. We help patients navigate the healthcare system, connecting them with top-of-the-line providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers we trust through every stage of life.

In addition to women’s health, our specialties include dermatology, fertility, pediatrics, primary care, and many other medical and surgical specialties. Explore the TopLine MD Alliance network and find a provider today.

The TopLine MD Alliance is an association of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. The members of the TopLine MD Alliance have no legal or financial relationship with one another. The TopLine MD Alliance brand has no formal corporate, financial or legal ties to any of the affiliated physicians or practice groups.