Maternal Mental Health

Pregnancy, childbirth and becoming a mother can bring joy, but they can also involve significant physical, hormonal, emotional and social changes.

While tiredness, worry and adjustment are common during this period, persistent emotional distress should not simply be dismissed as “part of motherhood.”

A mother’s mental health matters—and seeking support is a sign that her wellbeing deserves attention.

What Is Maternal Mental Health?

Maternal mental health refers to a woman’s emotional and psychological wellbeing during pregnancy, childbirth and the period after delivery.

Mental health challenges can develop during pregnancy or after childbirth, even in women who have never previously experienced mental health difficulties.

Common conditions may include:

• Depression during pregnancy or after childbirth
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress following difficult or traumatic pregnancy or childbirth experiences
• Obsessive or intrusive thoughts
• Substance use disorders
• Postpartum psychosis
• Other pre-existing or newly developing mental health conditions

Warning Signs to Look Out For

Consider seeking support when symptoms are persistent, worsening or interfering with everyday life.

Signs may include:

• Persistent sadness or frequent crying
• Excessive worry, fear or anxiety
• Feeling constantly overwhelmed
• Irritability or significant mood changes
• Difficulty sleeping even when there is an opportunity to rest
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Feeling disconnected from the baby
• Difficulty coping with everyday responsibilities
• Increased alcohol or substance use
• Thoughts of self-harm, suicide or harming the baby

Thoughts of suicide, self-harm or harming the baby require urgent professional attention. The mother should not be left alone and urgent medical assistance should be sought.

What Can Increase the Risk?

Maternal mental health difficulties rarely have one single cause. A combination of factors may increase vulnerability, including:

• Previous depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
• Difficult or traumatic pregnancy or childbirth
• Pregnancy or birth complications
• Lack of emotional or practical support
• Relationship difficulties
• Financial pressure
• Gender-based or intimate partner violence
• Previous trauma or abuse
• Pregnancy loss or previous difficult reproductive experiences
• Severe sleep deprivation
• Substance use
• Major life changes or stressful circumstances
• Challenges adjusting to motherhood

Mental health difficulties can affect any mother, regardless of age, background, education or socioeconomic status.

Why Maternal Mental Health Matters

Supporting a mother’s mental health benefits not only her wellbeing but also her relationships and family.

When maternal mental health difficulties go unrecognized, they can affect a woman’s ability to rest, function, maintain relationships and enjoy or adjust to motherhood.

Early identification and appropriate support can improve outcomes for both mother and family.

How Families and Partners Can Help

Support from partners, relatives, friends and healthcare professionals can make a meaningful difference.

You can help by:

• Listening without judgement
• Asking how the mother is coping—not only how the baby is doing
• Helping with meals, household responsibilities and childcare
• Allowing opportunities for rest
• Avoiding criticism or unrealistic expectations about motherhood
• Taking emotional or behavioural changes seriously
• Encouraging professional support when needed
• Accompanying her to appointments if she would find this helpful

Sometimes one of the most important questions we can ask a new mother is simply:

“How are YOU doing?”

Treatment and Recovery

Maternal mental health conditions are treatable.

Depending on individual needs, treatment may include:

• Psychological assessment
• Counselling or psychotherapy
• Medication when clinically appropriate
• Support groups
• Partner and family involvement
• Practical and social support
• Treatment for co-occurring mental or physical health conditions