Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS)
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the #1 medical complication of childbirth.
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You don’t have to go through this alone.
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Maybe you're pregnant, or you've just welcomed your baby into the world — and things don’t feel quite how you expected. You might be feeling anxious, sad, overwhelmed, or even having thoughts that scare you.
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Is this just the "baby blues"? A normal adjustment? Or could it be something more — like postpartum depression or anxiety?
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Whatever you're experiencing, know this: you're not alone, and it's not your fault.
These feelings are more common than you might think — and they are temporary and treatable.
Reaching out for help is the first and bravest step.
I'm so glad you're here.
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Pregnant or just given birth, and need changes at work to help you stay healthy and keep working? The PWFA can help! https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-pregnant-workers-fairness-act
Pregnancy and childbirth can bring major emotional shifts.
They can affect your mood, your relationship with your partner, and even how you bond with your baby.
In fact, up to 80% of new moms — that's 4 out of 5 — experience what's known as the Baby Blues. These symptoms often begin within a few days after giving birth and usually resolve on their own within two weeks, without the need for professional treatment.
For some new moms, the emotional distress doesn’t go away on its own.
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About 1 in 7 mothers experience symptoms that persist or intensify — including changes in thinking, loss of interest in the baby or in activities once enjoyed, physical symptoms, or even frightening thoughts of harming themselves or their baby.
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For up to 20% of new moms, the experience is best understood as a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) — a group of treatable mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth.
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Postpartum depression is just one of several PMADs. Others include:
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Perinatal Anxiety or Panic Disorder
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Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Perinatal Bipolar Disorders
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Perinatal Psychosis (a rare but serious condition requiring immediate attention)
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If you're experiencing a Perinatal Mood or Anxiety Disorder, please know this:
You are not alone.
You are not to blame.
With help, you will begin to feel better.
Facts about PMADS
