Pregnancy is often both a source of happiness and stress for many expecting mothers. In the journey towards childbirth and motherhood, mental health problems such as anxiety and depression are more common than realised. Tending to a mother's mental health is beneficial in ensuring long-term well-being for the mother as well as the child.
A recent systematic review among women from low and middle-income countries estimated that about one in six pregnant women and one in five new mothers experience symptoms. In a study in rural Tamil Nadu, the incidence of postpartum depression (PPD) alone was 11%. Depression, anxiety and stress commonly occur during pregnancy.
Sharing your feelings especially when you are feeling low with someone who cares, learning to ask for help, learning to care for yourself, lowering your expectations and learning to use breath for lowering your stress - these are simple tips for your mental health!
This American NGO offers inclusive messaging to all ethnic groups and to dads as well on maternal and paternal distress.
Besides helpful information on general mental health, this site has lot of information on maternal mental health. It also has clinically validated tools that could be of use for clinicians/practioners.
This is a Californian think tank working on standards of care and policy in the area of maternal mental health.
THUNAI