The birth of a baby can be a time of great joy; however, many women find themselves feeling overwhelmed and may even have negative feelings toward their child which can make them feel confused and guilty. Many new mothers are ashamed to admit negative feelings and suffer in silence because of the fear of being a “bad mother.” One in seven women experiences pregnancy-related depression or anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum.

According to Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data, the Northeast Colorado region has a higher rate of women who experience signs and symptoms of depression and a lower percentage of health care providers who talk with women about what to do when feeling depressed during pregnancy or after delivery. NCHD has coordinated an initiative to raise public awareness of the symptoms, risk factors and stigma associated with pregnancy-related depression as well as train and support healthcare providers to screen women for depression and refer for treatment.

Some signs and symptoms of Pregnancy-Related Depression are:

  • Feeling very sad, anxious, cranky or totally overwhelmed
  • Crying a lot or feeling hopeless
  • Not caring for yourself (not eating, getting dressed or bathing)
  • Not wanting to see your family and friends
  • Feeling that your baby would be better off without you

What To Do When You Feel Blue

Connect with your loved ones. Talk to a supportive person and express your feelings, positive and negative

Eat Right! At least three healthy meals every day

Get Fit! Take your baby for a walk

Relax! Get rest while the baby is resting

Schedule Fun! Contact hospitals, libraries or community centers to find activities for parents and children

You Are Not Alone

Depression is the most common complication of pregnancy. The good news is that it can be treated. If you are experiencing pregnancy-related depression, it is important to remember you are not alone and your feelings are nothing to be ashamed of. For help or more information on pregnancy-related depression call you healthcare provider or 1-800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, find help right away, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

As many as 80% of new mothers have the baby blues. Signs include crying, mood swings, having a short temper or being very sensitive. The baby blues go away without special treatment, usually within 10 days after giving birth. When these feelings linger or get worse, you may have pregnancy-related depression.

If you are a friend or family member of a pregnant woman or new mother whom you suspect is suffering from depression:

  • Listen to her and take her concerns seriously.
  • Once the baby has arrived, help her with the child and household tasks. She needs sleep and some time for herself.
  • Encourage her to seek help from a healthcare professional, and help her to find one.
  • Once she has found treatment follow up with her to ensure it is effective.

​It is important that pregnant women and new mothers recognize whether they are suffering from depression because it can be detrimental to her health as well as the health of the baby.