My mental health has been affected by pregnancy/reproductive challenges/pregnancy loss. What can I do?

Reproductive health and mental health go hand in hand. New and expecting parents may see the return of mental health symptoms they experienced in the past, or they may experience new mental health symptoms after pregnancy, birth, or pregnancy loss. It’s also common for existing mental health challenges to become more severe because of reproductive health challenges like difficulty getting pregnant, pregnancy complications, and reproductive system disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Furthermore, individuals who take medication for their mental health condition and become pregnant may need to change or reduce their medication, with the guidance of their treating physician, to ensure the safety and well-being of themselves and the child. Such changes can make the individual vulnerable to mental health symptoms that were well-managed with their previous medication regimen.

If you’re experiencing reproductive-related mental health challenges, please know that help is available. We encourage you to communicate openly with your healthcare providers and to connect with others experiencing similar challenges with their mental health. Check out the resources below to find helpful information and resources for your reproductive-related mental health concerns.

Reproductive Mental Health Resources

NAMI Blog: Pursuing Motherhood While Living with Mental Illness authored by a peer in with bipolar I disorder, this NAMI blog offers hope and helpful tips to those pursuing parenthood while living with a mental illness.
ACOG Summary of Perinatal Mental Health Conditions The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has compiled a list of mental health conditions that can affect those who have recently given birth. The list describes what the condition is, how it affects people’s daily lives, and what treatment supports are recommended for each condition. ACOG also has a Mental Health and Pregnancy webpage that offers videos, articles, and FAQs about different topics related to mental and reproductive health.
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Women’s Mental Health provides resources and information on topics like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), psychiatric disorders during pregnancy, fertility and mental health, and more.
Moms’ Mental Health Matters is an initiative by the National Child and Maternal Health Education Program that is designed to educate consumers and health care providers about who is at risk for depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy, the signs of these problems, and how to get help.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers real-time support, information, and resources including referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups. The hotline provides services in English and Spanish and offers interpreter services in 60 languages. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of all women during midlife and beyond through an understanding of menopause and healthy aging. NAMS offers guides and a searchable database of menopause clinicians to patients and consumers.
Postpartum Support International hosts free 90-minute virtual support groups on many different topics related to reproductive mental health. Examples of support groups include Perinatal Mental Health Support, Loss and Grief Support, Mindfulness for Pregnant & Postpartum Parents, and Queer & Trans Parents Support Groups. Many groups are available in Spanish. You can find more information about PSI support groups here. For additional support, you can call or text PSI’s non-crisis HelpLine at 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish).
USDHHS Office on Women’s Health Reproductive Health and Mental Health Webpage provides answers to common questions related to reproductive mental health like, “How does my mental health condition affect my menstrual cycle?” and “Can I continue to take my medication if I’m trying to get pregnant?”
Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CBHCs) commonly offer Infant Mental Health or Early Childhood Mental Health Programs. These programs support the development of a positive caregiving relationships between parent and child, assist new parents to learn skills to care for themselves and their mental well-being, and promote the healthy physical, cognitive, spiritual, emotional, and social development of the young child. Program services are typically delivered right in the family’s home. Find an Infant Mental Health program near you by contacting your local community behavioral health agency.

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