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“I'm pregnant, postpartum or planning a pregnancy”
A short answer
Whether you're planning, pregnant or caring for a new baby, your mental health matters as much as your physical health, and asking for help is part of taking care of both of you. Depression and anxiety around pregnancy are common, aren't your fault and can be treated. Medication decisions weigh the risks of treatment against the risks of untreated illness, and we make them together with you. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Postpartum psychosis needs urgent care
Confusion, seeing or hearing things that aren't there, extreme agitation or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby after giving birth need care right away. Please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Learn more
Baby blues, or something more?
Many people feel teary, worried and worn out in the first days after birth. These "baby blues" usually ease within a week or two without treatment. Low mood, anxiety or numbness that's severe, or lasts longer than two weeks, can be a sign of postpartum depression. Depression and anxiety can also start during pregnancy.
None of this means you're a bad parent. Changing hormones, lack of sleep, stress and your own history all play a part.
Something to think about
Where are you right now?
Tap the one that's closest. Nothing is saved or sent.
This is a great time to talk, before you're pregnant. If you've had depression before or take an antidepressant, it's worth planning ahead with your provider and your ob-gyn. Please don't stop a medication on your own; some can cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of symptoms if stopped suddenly.
Signs of depression can look like the normal ups and downs of pregnancy, so it helps to say them out loud. Untreated depression in pregnancy can affect both you and your baby, which is why it deserves real attention.
Women's mental health at ANKIf it's been more than two weeks, or it feels severe, please don't wait for your postpartum checkup to mention it. Postpartum depression usually doesn't get better on its own, and it does respond to treatment.
Postpartum depression vs. baby bluesAntidepressants do pass into breast milk, usually at very low levels. The decision weighs the benefits of breastfeeding and of treatment against the possible risks to your baby, and you make it with your provider.
Treating postpartum depression while breastfeedingThis isn't a diagnosis. Only an evaluation with a qualified provider can tell you what's going on.
Some parents have frightening thoughts of harming themselves or their baby. If that's happening, you deserve help right away, not judgment. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Questions to ask
Questions to ask your provider
Tick the ones you want to ask, then copy your list. Nothing is saved or sent.
Myth or fact? Pregnancy and mental health
Choose an answer for each to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.
1Pregnancy protects you from depression.
Myth. Depression is common during pregnancy, and some people have depression or anxiety for the first time then.
2Every antidepressant is unsafe in pregnancy.
Myth. ACOG says studies suggest most SSRIs don't increase the risk of birth defects, while research on some others is still ongoing. The choice is made case by case.
3Postpartum depression is caused by something you did.
Myth. It isn't your fault. It has no single cause; genes, hormones, stress and the demands of a new baby all contribute.
What to expect
What happens next with us
1Start your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2A careful evaluation
We talk about your mood, sleep, history, past pregnancies, medications and support at home.
3Weighing the options together
We explain the benefits and risks of treatment and of untreated illness for you and your baby, and decide together.
4Working alongside your ob-gyn
If you'd like us to, and with your permission, we can share information with your ob-gyn (or primary care provider) so your care fits together.
5Regular follow-ups
Pregnancy and the months after birth change quickly. We check in regularly and adjust carefully.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from the sources above, checked October 25, 2026.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding medication facts come only from ACOG. Your provider will review the details for any specific medication with you.
- Signs are described in plain language and aren't a diagnostic checklist.
Other starting points