May is a great time to recognize the strength, resilience and health needs of women, as we observe both Mental Health Month and Women’s Health Month. According to the Office on Women’s Health, women are more likely than men to experience conditions like
anxiety and depression. Factors such as hormones, caregiving, and everyday stress can all affect a woman’s mental health. In addition, women also face unique challenges surrounding pregnancy and maternal health.
Understanding Maternal Health and Postpartum Depression
Having a baby is a major life change. While it can bring joy and excitement, both pregnancy and the period afterward can bring unique physical and mental health challenges. In this blog, we review some of the physical and mental health needs of women during and after pregnancy.
Physical Health Needs During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes many changes to support the growing baby. As a result, women should take key health steps to help ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery, such as:
- Prenatal visits:
Seeing a health care provider throughout pregnancy helps track the baby’s growth, check the mother’s blood pressure, monitor weight gain and screen for conditions like gestational diabetes, anemia, or preeclampsia. - Nutrition and supplements:
A healthy diet is essential to keep your baby well-nourished from conception onward. Pregnant women need a balanced diet featuring vegetables, lean proteins, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy. Additionally, nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium and prenatal vitamins are especially important to support the baby’s development and help prevent birth defects. For more information on what to eat, check out our guide: What to Eat During Pregnancy. - Physical activity:
Light to moderate exercise can offer many health benefits during pregnancy. It can improve circulation, sleep, energy levels and emotional well-being, while reducing back pain and the risk of conditions like gestational diabetes. - Avoiding harmful substances:
Pregnant women should avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs and limit caffeine. They should also consult a doctor before taking any medications, even over-the-counter ones. For more information, check out our guides on What Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy and Safe Medications During Pregnancy.
Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression
Pregnancy is often seen as a time of joy, excitement and anticipation. However, for many women, it can also include mental health challenges, such as depression and increased anxiety.
The Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
Postpartum refers to the period after giving birth. Some women experience what is often called the baby blues. Women may experience mild mood swings and emotional distress in the first few days to weeks after childbirth. It is a common and natural part of the postpartum period. Women may feel sad, worried or tired shortly after giving birth. For many, the baby blues go away within a few days. However, if these feelings persist and a new mother feels sad, hopeless or anxious for longer than two weeks, it could be a sign of postpartum depression (PPD).
PPD is a serious condition that affects mood, behavior, and physical health after childbirth. It includes feelings of sadness and hopelessness that do not go away and can make daily life difficult. A woman may feel disconnected from her baby or struggle with feelings of not loving or caring for the baby. These feelings can range from mild to severe.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, PPD affects about 1 in 8 mothers and identifies several potential risk factors, including:
- Depression before or during pregnancy
- A family history of depression
- A difficult or traumatic birth
- Problems with a previous pregnancy or birth
- Little or no support from family, friends or partners
- Being under the age of 20
- Having an unplanned pregnancy
Ways to Support New Mothers
After childbirth, women are recovering in many ways and need support from their doctors, families and communities. This includes checking in on how they’re feeling—emotionally as well as physically.
Providers are encouraged to screen for PPD during follow-up visits after childbirth. Support groups, therapy and sometimes medication can help. Asking for help can be the first step toward feeling better. If you or someone you know may be dealing with postpartum depression, don’t wait, talk to a health care provider or mental health professional. You are not alone, and with support, recovery is possible.
Sources:
- American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Postpartum depression. https://www.apa.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Depression Among Women.” www.cdc.gov
- Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Postpartum depression. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression
