5 important things to know about perinatal mental health

Written by:

Janet Hosey

Pregnancy and new parenthood are exciting yet exhausting times of life.

As they focus on nurturing their pregnancy and caring for a newborn, new moms should be sure to put a priority on their own mental and physical health.

In this video, Suzanne Ashby, DO, obstetrician and gynecologist with Endeavor Health, explains why perinatal mental health — the mental and emotional changes that occur prior to, during and sometimes after pregnancy — is important.

“We feel passionately about caring for the whole person, whether it’s physical (or) mental,” Dr. Ashby said. “We realize this is a vulnerable time in a person’s life and we just want to think big picture.”

Physicians make it a priority to promote mental health screenings throughout a patient’s entire pregnancy to help identify people who need support and to provide resources. Doctors can recommend mental health providers for anyone who feels they’re struggling with mental or emotional changes, including those who are coping with infant loss. Besides in-person therapy, there are online options as well as the MomMoodBooster app, which provides new parents with strategies to improve their mood and regain life balance.

Anyone who lives in Illinois can take advantage of the MOMS line, (866) 364-MOMS, a hotline that offers 24/7 support from mental health providers for perinatal patients and their families.

Comprehensive care for women

The women’s health experts at Endeavor Health specialize in keeping women of all ages and at all life stages healthy using a personalized, comprehensive approach.

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