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PMADs include anxiety, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more—not just depression.

Intrusive thoughts after birth are common and do not reflect intent or character.

Many women struggle silently because they believe they “should” be coping better.

Early support for perinatal mental health symptoms can improve recovery and connection.

May is Maternal Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the emotional challenges that can arise during pregnancy and postpartum.

While new motherhood is often portrayed as joyful and fulfilling, many women quietly struggle during this transition. They may feel anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected, irritable, or unlike themselves in ways they did not anticipate.

And often, they feel alone in it.

One of the reasons Maternal Mental Health Month matters is that it helps expand the conversation beyond postpartum depression and reminds women that there are many ways emotional suffering can show up during the perinatal period.

These experiences are common. They are treatable. And they are not a reflection of someone’s love for their baby or ability to be a good parent.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum period.

Many people have heard of postpartum depression, but PMADs also include postpartum anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),........

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