BC Women’s recognizes that while pregnancy and childbirth may be times for celebration, these stages may also cause great stress. With pregnancy and child delivery, there are changes and stressors that can have a significant impact on a mother’s mental health.
Postpartum depression is a form of depression which occurs after birth and is a relatively well-known term. Perinatal depression is another term that applies to a range of symptoms a mother may feel during pregnancy or after the birth of a child.
Depression can affect how a mother interacts with her baby and may have an impact on the mother-baby bond as well as the baby's development. It is important to seek help as soon as possible to give you and your baby the healthiest start possible.
Women experiencing depression may:
- Feel extreme sadness, most of the day and nearly every day;
- Feel irritable or angry;
- Feel guilty or worthless;
- Feel hopeless and overwhelmed.
If you are experiencing any of the feelings listed above or you think you may be depressed, please seek help. Consider contacting your family doctor, a registered psychologist, or a registered clinical counsellor.
For Reproductive Mental Health services and resources please visit our BC Reproductive Mental Health Program offered by our affiliated agency BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services.
