Free family guide · Emotions and mental health

Emotions in pregnancy and after birth: where to get help

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says perinatal depression covers depression during pregnancy (prenatal) and after birth (postpartum).[1]

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Sources on this page: NIMH; OWH; CDC; MedlinePlus; ACOG; Crisis Text Line; PSI; HRSA; 988 Lifeline

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.

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Signs of perinatal depression

NIMH says symptoms last at least 2 weeks and can include:[1]

  • sadness or a feeling of emptiness;[1]
  • loss of interest in things;[1]
  • guilt;[1]
  • changes in sleep and appetite;[1]
  • trouble bonding with the baby;[1]
  • thoughts of harming yourself or the baby.[1]

Baby blues

NIMH says the baby blues are mild mood changes that last up to about 2 weeks after birth.[1] It says symptoms that are more severe or last longer may be postpartum depression, which usually does not get better without treatment.[1]

The Office on Women's Health (OWH) says the baby blues usually go away within a few days.[2] It says to contact a provider if symptoms last more than 2 weeks.[2]

How common it is

CDC survey data show that about 1 in 8 women with a recent live birth reported symptoms of postpartum depression.[3]

What can raise the risk

MedlinePlus lists these risk factors for postpartum depression:[4]

  • a personal or family history of depression or bipolar disorder;[4]
  • problems during pregnancy or birth;[4]
  • a baby with special needs;[4]
  • domestic violence;[4]
  • money stress and little support.[4]

OWH lists little or no support from family, friends or partners among the risk factors.[2]

Treatment and support

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says to call your ob-gyn right away if you think you may have postpartum depression, and not to wait for the postpartum checkup.[5]

NIMH says treatment is usually therapy, medicine, or both.[1]

MedlinePlus says people who are breastfeeding should tell their provider, so treatment options can be chosen with that in mind.[4]

OWH describes ways partners and family can help:[2]

  • caring for the baby so the mother can rest;[2]
  • doing household tasks;[2]
  • listening;[2]
  • making calls for her.[2]

Emergencies

NIMH says postpartum psychosis is an emergency, and to call 911 or go to the emergency room.[1]

MedlinePlus says thoughts of harming yourself or your baby call for 988 or 911.[4]

Crisis Text Line says you can text HOME or HOLA to 741741 from anywhere in the US, 24/7, for free.[6]

Postpartum Support International says its HelpLine is not a crisis line, and to use 988 or local emergency services in a crisis.[7]

More on this topic

Depression during pregnancyAnxiety during pregnancyPostpartum psychosis is an emergencyThings to do while pregnant

Questions families ask

Can depression start during pregnancy?

Yes, according to NIMH.[1] It says perinatal depression covers depression during pregnancy and after birth.[1]

How long do the baby blues last?

NIMH says up to about 2 weeks after birth.[1] OWH says they usually go away within a few days.[2]

Who can I call?

HRSA says the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-852-6262, takes calls and texts 24/7 in English and Spanish.[8] The 988 Lifeline takes calls and texts at 988, 24/7.[9]

Is postpartum depression treatable?

NIMH says treatment is usually therapy, medicine, or both.[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. Office on Women's Health (HHS). Postpartum depression. Checked October 24, 2026.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of Depression Among Women. Checked October 24, 2026.
  4. MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine). Postpartum Depression. Checked October 24, 2026.
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Postpartum Depression. Checked October 24, 2026.
  6. Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line. Checked October 24, 2026.
  7. Postpartum Support International. Get Help. Checked October 24, 2026.
  8. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Checked October 24, 2026.
  9. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Checked October 24, 2026.