Caring for Your Mental Health
Pregnancy is a deeply emotional experience — even at its baseline it can feel like a rollercoaster. Some mood swings you can navigate on your own, and others may feel heavier or harder to manage. If you notice your emotions starting to bubble up in ways that feel overwhelming, don’t wait until your baby arrives — reach out for support now.
If you’re experiencing new or persistent feelings of sadness, worry or anxiety, know that you’re not alone. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum, and support is available to help you through this time. For people with existing mental health conditions, staying connected with your care team and knowing where to turn to for help is especially important.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and getting support early can make a real difference for both you and your baby.
There are safe and effective ways to get support and treatment during this time. Seeking help early on can make a real difference — helping you feel better and more capable of navigating the changes that pregnancy brings.
Helpful Daily Habits
Small steps to care for yourself can add up:
- Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated
- Get enough rest
- Move your body regularly and try to get outside for fresh air when you can
- Stay connected with supportive friends, family, or groups
- Be open with your provider about your mental health
Know When to Reach Out
Contact your healthcare provider if you:
- Feel sad, anxious or overwhelmed most days for more than two weeks
- Lose interest in things you usually enjoy
- Have trouble sleeping, eating or caring for yourself
- Notice big changes in your mood or energy
- Have thoughts of hurting yourself or others — if this happens, call or text the crisis hotline at 988 for immediate support.
Identifying Postpartum Depression
It's not uncommon to wonder what your mental health will feel like after giving birth. Knowing what to expect can help you notice changes early and identify postpartum depression.
After delivery, emotions can shift quickly. It’s common to experience the “baby blues” — feeling weepy, tired or stressed during the first two weeks. These feelings usually fade as your body and routine adjust.
If symptoms last longer or get worse, it may be postpartum depression (PPD). PPD can affect anyone after birth. It often starts in the first few weeks but can develop anytime in the first year. Remember: PPD is not a character flaw or a weakness — it’s a medical condition that deserves support and treatment.
How to Get Help
- Talk to your doctor, nurse or midwife. They can screen for depression and anxiety and connect you to care.
- Counseling or therapy. Even brief therapy can help reduce symptoms during pregnancy and after birth.
- Medications. There are safe and effective medications that can make a big difference. Talk to your OB provider.
- Support groups. Sutter groups and classes offer resources and community.
Trusted Resources
Explore these national organizations for more information and support:
Mental health conditions are common in pregnancy and postpartum — and nothing to be ashamed of. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you need support, reach out now. Having a support system in place before your baby arrives can make the transition into parenthood a little easier.