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Understanding the Signs of Maternal Mental Health Challenges 

Becoming a parent changes everything, no matter if it’s your first child or your fourth. Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure of yourself is incredibly common in the early weeks and months. When emotional distress lingers, deepens, or interferes with your ability to function, it may be time to consider whether more support is needed. 

Many new parents ask themselves, “Is this just part of being tired and adjusting… or is something more going on?” The truth is, emotional struggles are more common than you might think, and they’re not your fault. 

Maternal mental health disorders are some of the most common complications of pregnancy and postpartum. Research suggests that approximately 1 in 5 women experience a maternal mental health condition during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum (AAMC; Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health). These conditions are treatable, but they are often misunderstood or missed entirely. Many women wonder whether what they’re feeling is a normal part of new parenthood, or something more serious. 

This guide outlines how to recognize maternal mental health challenges, how symptoms may appear differently than expected, and what steps to take if you need help. 

Maternal Mental Health Conditions Are Common and Treatable 

The term “maternal mental health” refers to emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and early parenting. These challenges can start during pregnancy, right after birth, or even months later when things ‘should’ feel easier but somehow don’t. More recently, the term has also come to include the period during which women are trying to conceive (TTC). 

While postpartum depression is often the most discussed diagnosis, there are a range of perinatal mental health concerns. Each of these can affect how you feel day to day—emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Early identification and access to care can reduce symptoms, support healthy family development, and improve outcomes for both mother and child. 

The most common maternal mental health challenges include: 

Postpartum Depression (PPD) 

The CDC reports that about 1 in 8 women report symptoms of PPD, involving persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or disconnection. Unlike the “baby blues,” which typically resolve within two weeks, PPD symptoms last longer and may worsen over time. You might find yourself crying often, struggling to feel connected to your baby, or feeling like you’re failing, even when you’re doing your best. 

Postpartum Anxiety 

Postpartum anxiety can cause racing thoughts, excessive worry, restlessness, or physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. Unlike typical concerns about a newborn’s safety, this anxiety can become constant and overwhelming. Some describe a persistent sense of dread or a feeling that they can never fully relax, even when their baby is safe and cared for. This isn’t just ‘new mom worry.’ It can feel like your mind won’t stop racing or like something bad is always just around the corner. 

Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

Postpartum OCD may involve intrusive, unwanted thoughts that feel disturbing or out of character. For example, a parent might experience sudden mental images of harm coming to their baby, followed by compulsive behaviors such as checking, avoiding certain situations, or seeking reassurance. These thoughts can feel disturbing or completely unlike you, but they’re driven by anxiety, not intent, and they don’t mean you’ll act on them. 

Insomnia 

Most parents lose sleep during the early months of caring for a newborn. Sleep deprivation is a normal part of parenting, but if you can’t sleep even when your baby does, or your mind won’t quiet down at night, that’s a sign worth paying attention to. Chronic sleep disruption also increases the risk for mood disorders. 

PMDD and Hormone Sensitivity 

Some women are especially sensitive to hormonal shifts. Those with a history of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), mood changes linked to hormonal birth control, or significant emotional changes around their menstrual cycle may be at higher risk for mood disorders during pregnancy and postpartum. 

Grief, Loss, and Fertility Challenges 

Maternal mental health support is also critical for women who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infertility. These losses can lead to deep emotional pain, isolation, and symptoms of depression or anxiety. Therapy, sometimes in conjunction with medication management, can help process these experiences and offer compassionate support through grief and healing. 

Symptoms Don’t Always Look the Way You’d Expect 

One of the hardest parts about maternal mental health struggles is that they don’t always look the way people expect. You might not feel “sad.” Instead, you might feel flat, on edge, checked out, or consumed by worry. 

One of the reasons many women don’t seek help is because their experience doesn’t match the stereotype. They may not be crying every day. They may not feel sad, but instead feel numb, detached, irritable, or consumed by worry. 

Common signs of a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder include: 

These symptoms may appear any time during pregnancy or within the first year after birth. Some women experience delayed onset, with symptoms surfacing months later as the intensity of the newborn phase starts to ease. 

What To Do If You’re Struggling 

If what you’re feeling has lasted more than two weeks, is getting worse, or is making it hard to get through your day, it’s okay to ask for help. You’re not alone, and support is available. 

Support may include: 

Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and may include a combination of therapeutic approaches. In many cases, women begin to feel better within weeks of starting care. 

You’re not the only one feeling this way, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to help you feel like yourself again. 

Maternal mental health conditions are medical and they impact the entire family. They are not caused by anything you did or didn’t do. You can love your baby and still feel overwhelmed. You can be doing everything “right” and still need help. 

At PM Pediatric Care, our Maternal Mental Health program offers personalized, evidence-based support for women during pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting. Our team includes psychiatric experts and therapists who specialize in this phase of life. We will work closely with you and your family to create a plan that supports your health and your goals. 

Want to talk to someone? Learn more about PM Maternal Mental Health Services.