When we think about pregnancy, we usually picture excitement, new beginnings, and tiny baby socks. But there’s a side that doesn’t get enough attention: mental health struggles. In Illinois, mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-related death — and across the US, they’re one of the biggest risks too. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, and even thoughts of self-harm often show up together during pregnancy and postpartum, yet many parents never get screened for anything beyond depression… if they’re screened at all.
New research shows nearly half of pregnant and postpartum patients who screen positive for depression also have another mental health condition — like anxiety or PTSD — but these often go undetected. When mental health goes untreated during this time, it can affect the parent, the baby, and the whole family long-term. This isn’t just about feeling sad — it’s about real health outcomes, safety, and support.
Screening tools do exist, like CAT-MH, which checks for multiple mental health concerns at once in just a few minutes. But barriers like lack of time, trained staff, stigma, and limited resources — especially in rural areas — keep people from getting the help they need. In fact, in one study, nearly 65% of people who screened positive for mental health issues during pregnancy never got a referral for care. And rural communities face even more challenges, with fewer providers, more stigma, and higher mental-health-related maternal deaths.
So, what’s the takeaway? Mental health care is just as important as physical care during pregnancy. Screening matters. Access matters. Support systems matter. And for anyone planning a family one day — or supporting someone who is — remember: self-care isn’t selfish, and reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness. We can rewrite the story around maternal health by making mental health conversations normal, compassionate, and accessible — no one should have to struggle in silence.
