You’re Not Alone: Mental Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be exciting, but it can also be hard. Many people feel sad, nervous, or overwhelmed while they’re pregnant or after having a baby. These feelings are normal, but sometimes they can be a sign of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
It’s important to know what to look for and when to ask for help.
What is Perinatal Mental Health?
Perinatal mental health is how someone feels before, during, and after pregnancy. It includes how they think, feel, and act. When mental health changes in a way that makes daily life harder, it might mean there’s a bigger problem.
Common Conditions
Some people may have:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Postpartum psychosis (a rare but serious condition)
- These conditions can start at any time—from early pregnancy to the first year after birth.
Warning Signs
Some changes are normal, but if they last more than two weeks, you may need to talk to a doctor. Watch for:
- Feeling very sad or worried
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Not wanting to eat or eating too much
- Not bonding with the baby
- Feeling like a bad parent
- Scary or confusing thoughts
- Feeling dizzy, shaky, or like your heart is racing
You know your body and your mind better than anyone else. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up.
Why It Matters
Taking care of your mental health helps you and your baby. If you don’t feel well, it can affect your baby’s health and your family, too. The good news is that help is available.
You Are Not Alone
Many people go through this. Asking for help shows strength, not weakness. Talk to your doctor, reach out to a friend, or contact us at Community Health Choice. If you need help finding a doctor, you can call us:
- CHIP/STAR Members: 713.295.2294 or 1.888.760.2600 (TTY 7-1-1)
- STAR+PLUS Members: 713.295.2300 or 1.888.435.2850 (TTY 7-1-1)
- Marketplace Members: 713.295.6704 or 1.855.315.5386 (TTY 7-1-1)
- Medicare (D-SNP) Members: 713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306 (TTY 7-1-1)
