What is pregnancy-related depression?
- Pregnancy-related depression is depression that occurs during pregnancy or after giving birth, including after a pregnancy loss.
- In Colorado, 1 in 11 women experience postpartum mood or anxiety disorders, with rates as high as 20% in some groups.
- Depression that occurs during pregnancy or within the first year after having a baby is one of the most common complications of pregnancy.
Find out if you're at risk
- Take the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Test to find out if you may have symptoms of pregnancy-related depression.
- Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Test. (Perinatology website)
Signs and symptoms
According to Children's Hospital Colorado (external website), the following may be signs of mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and after delivery:
- Frequent crying
- Feelings of sadness, anxiety, worthlessness or hopelessness
- Anger
- Lack of energy for everyday tasks
- Trouble sleeping even when the baby is asleep
- Sense of stress that interferes with daily life
- Loss of interest in food or preoccupation with eating
- Loss of interest in self-care
- It's very common for caregivers to get the "baby blues," a two-week period when parents and caregivers have mood swings, exhaustion, sleep problems, and crying spells. If the baby blues worsen or last longer than two weeks after birth, the caregiver may have a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, which are common and highly treatable concerns.
If you think you may be experiencing pregnancy-related depression
- If you are you feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anxious about being a new parent or caregiver, learn more or call 1-800-944-4773.
- If you think you may be experiencing pregnancy-related depression, tell someone how you feel.
- A close friend, family member or your health care provider can help you find the support you need.
- You’ll feel better if you receive treatment. You’re not alone.
Colorado services and treatment options
- Children's Hospital
- The Healthy Expectations Perinatal Mental Health program (external website) provides support for pregnant people and those struggling with mood and anxiety issues after delivery, as well as their families.
- Postpartum Support International: Colorado
- Visit the Postpartum Support International website to:
- learn more about the symptoms
- get the facts
- connect with the Colorado Chapter of Postpartum Support International (CO-PSI) and Parents Thrive Colorado
- explore resources for family and friends
- Visit the Postpartum Support International website to:
- Mental health resources
- Find mental health services in Colorado. (Colorado Behavioral Health Administration website)
- Behavioral health treatment services locator.
- Use SAMHSA's confidential and anonymous locator to find treatment services.
- SAMHSA Find Treatment. (SAMHSA website)
- Use SAMHSA's confidential and anonymous locator to find treatment services.
Peer support
- Chats for Dads
- Postpartum Support International hosts free, live phone sessions for dads on the first Monday of each month. Visit the website to learn more.
- Make it OK
- It's OK to have a mental health condition. It's OK to talk about it. It's OK to ask for help. Make it OK provides resources and tools to thrive.
- Make it OK. (Make it OK website)
- It's OK to have a mental health condition. It's OK to talk about it. It's OK to ask for help. Make it OK provides resources and tools to thrive.
Pregnancy-related depression campaign
- Pregnancy-related depression campaign materials and resources are available to help partners reach the intended audiences. Materials for new parents and their support persons are available in English and Spanish.
Pregnancy-related depression information for use in practices and with clients
Pregnancy-related depression campaign
Pregnancy-related depression campaign materials and resources are available to help partners reach the intended audiences. Materials for new parents and their support persons are available in English and Spanish.