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Oregon Health Authority

For Pregnant Women and New Mothers

Are you feeling sad or depressed?
Do you feel overwhelmed?
Do you feel more irritable or angry than usual?
Are you having trouble bonding with your baby?
Do you feel anxious or panicky?
Are you having upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out of your mind?
Do you feel as if you are “out of control” or “going crazy”?

Any of these could be symptoms of a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, sometimes called The Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression or Maternal Mental Health Disorders. Perinatal refers to the time you are pregnant through the baby’s first birthday. Perinatal depression is more than just the Baby Blues.

If you have perinatal depression you are not alone, and you are not to blame. With support and treatment, you will get better.

Reaching out for help is the first step.

woman typing

Depression and anxiety are the most common complications of pregnancy. In Oregon, one in four new moms feels depressed or anxious during or after pregnancy. This can make it hard for moms to take care of themselves, bond with their babies and relate to others.

Many new moms feel weepy and anxious during the first week or two after giving birth. This is called “baby blues” and usually goes away with rest, support and time.

If your symptoms last more than two weeks, are disturbing, or get in the way of your daily life, call your healthcare provider or reach out for help.

Learn more about perinatal mood disorder topics like:

  • Answers to common questions
  • Different types of perinatal mood disorders
  • Treatment options
  • Medications in pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Loss and grief
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Perinatal depression or anxiety can affect any woman – regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education. However, family history, previous health or mental health problems, and stressful life circumstances can increase a woman’s chances of having perinatal depression or anxiety.

Are any of these statements true for you?

It’s hard for me to ask for help.
I’ve had trouble with hormones and moods, especially before my period.
checkbox I was depressed or anxious after my last baby or during my pregnancy.
I’ve been depressed or anxious in the past.
My mother, sister, or aunt was depressed after her baby was born.
Sometimes I don’t need to sleep, have lots of ideas, and it’s hard to slow down.
My family is far away and I don’t have many friends nearby.
I don’t have the money, food or housing I need.

If you checked any of the above boxes, you may be more likely to have depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after your baby is born. Sometimes it can be hard to know if you should ask for help.  If you have any concerns, it is a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider now. He or she can help you watch for symptoms, and make a plan to take care of yourself and get the support you need during pregnancy and postpartum.

Download A Guide to Understanding Perinatal Depression and Anxiety

​Take a quick depression self-assessment

Only a trained health care or mental health professional can tell you whether you have Perinatal Depression or Anxiety. However, the following checklist can help you know whether you have some of the common symptoms.

Are you feeling…?

  • Sad or hopeless, or like you cannot cope
  • Little interest or pleasure in doing things
  • Overwhelmed or stressed
  • Worthless or guilty
  • Worried or restless
  • Irritable or angry
  • Like crying

Do you have…?

  • Trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions
  • Little or no energy
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Thoughts that scare or disturb you
  • Thoughts or plans of hurting yourself or your baby

Are you…?

  • Pulling away from friends and family
  • Afraid to be alone with your baby
  • Losing interest in bathing, fixing your hair or getting dressed
  • Eating too much or too little
  • Not feeling connected to or concerned about your baby
  • Seeing or hearing things that others don’t

**If you have the symptoms in red print, you may have a serious condition called psychosis. This is an emergency. See your doctor right away.

Sometimes family and friends notice your symptoms of depression before you do. Love and support can help but may not be enough. If your symptoms do not go away within 2 weeks, you should see a healthcare provider or counselor for treatment. When you get the right treatment, you will feel better.

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As a new mom you deserve extra care and support – for you and your new baby.Taking a few minutes each day to look after your own needs and take a break from being a mother can reduce your stress levels and recharge your batteries.

Remember, taking care of your child also means taking good care of yourself.

What you can do if you feel depressed or anxious:

  • Tell someone you trust how you feel.
  • Ask your health care provider for help and resources.
  • Ask friends and family for help so you can take breaks.
  • When people offer help, accept it.
  • Get exercise and fresh air; go outside for at least a few minutes every day.
  • Eat well; avoid caffeine, sugar, and alcohol.
  • Make sleep a priority; if you aren’t sleeping, don’t wait until your next appointment to ask for help.
  • Talk to women who have recovered.

Tools for self-care:

Websites offering support and resources for Perinatal Depression and Anxiety:


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mom and child