Free family guide · Emotions and mental health

Depression during pregnancy

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says perinatal depression includes depression during pregnancy, not only after birth.[1]

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Sources on this page: NIMH; NHS; ACOG; NICHD; CDC; HRSA; 988 Lifeline; MedlinePlus

This page shares what health organizations say. It is not medical advice. It is general information. Talk to your doctor, midwife or pediatrician about your own situation.

In an emergency, call 911.

Signs

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), signs of perinatal depression last at least 2 weeks and can include:[1]

  • sadness or feeling empty;[1]
  • loss of interest in things you used to enjoy;[1]
  • guilt;[1]
  • changes in sleep and appetite;[1]
  • trouble bonding with the baby;[1]
  • thoughts of harming yourself or the baby.[1]

The NHS says sleeplessness with hopelessness or loss of interest can be a sign of depression, and to speak to your doctor or midwife.[2]

The NHS says to get help if stress, anxiety or low mood is affecting your daily life.[3]

You are not alone

The NHS says around 1 in 5 mothers feel anxious or stressed during pregnancy.[4]

The NHS says postnatal depression, after birth, affects more than 1 in 10 women, and is not your fault.[5]

Tell your provider early

ACOG says to tell your provider early, ideally before pregnancy, about any history of depression.[6] NICHD lists addressing mental health early among steps before pregnancy.[7]

NIMH says treatment is usually talk therapy, medicine, or both.[1] CDC says to talk to your providers before you start or stop any medicine.[8]

Where to get help

HRSA says the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-852-6262, takes calls and texts 24/7 in English and Spanish.[9] The 988 Lifeline takes calls and texts at 988, 24/7.[10]

MedlinePlus says thoughts of harming yourself or your baby call for 988 or 911.[11]

Questions families ask

Can you get depression while pregnant?

NIMH says perinatal depression includes depression during pregnancy.[1]

How long do signs last before it is called depression?

NIMH says signs last at least 2 weeks.[1]

Free from UpOnly Learning. Written for families of every faith. No outside ads and no affiliate links. Every fact on this page comes from the sources listed below. How we source and review these pages

Updated 2026-10-24: first published.

Sources

All sources were opened and checked on the date shown.

  1. National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). Perinatal Depression. Checked October 24, 2026.
  2. NHS (United Kingdom). Tiredness and sleep problems in pregnancy. Checked October 24, 2026.
  3. NHS (United Kingdom). Pregnancy symptoms you need to get help for. Checked October 24, 2026.
  4. NHS (United Kingdom). 5 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  5. NHS (United Kingdom). 37 weeks pregnant guide. Checked October 24, 2026.
  6. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Postpartum Depression. Checked October 24, 2026.
  7. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH). Can you promote a healthy pregnancy before getting pregnant?. Checked October 24, 2026.
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medicine and Pregnancy: An Overview. Checked October 24, 2026.
  9. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Checked October 24, 2026.
  10. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Checked October 24, 2026.
  11. MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Postpartum Depression. Checked October 24, 2026.