Postpartum Depression: Is prevention possible?
Updated: Sep 7
Some things in life can feel unavoidable: rising gas prices, housing costs, and the bus being late when you’re already running behind.
But is postpartum depression one of those things?
Not necessarily.
As a psychiatrist, I’m often asked whether depression can be prevented. Mental health rarely comes with a simple checklist. But when it comes to depression during pregnancy and after childbirth, we do know about certain factors that can increase risk—and some of them can be addressed before symptoms become overwhelming.
Know Your Risk
Some of the most important risk factors for depression during pregnancy and postpartum include:
A previous history of depression
High levels of stress
Limited social support
You can’t change your history of depression. But stress and social support can sometimes be improved.
The important thing to remember is that these aren’t always within a mother’s control. She can’t simply decide that work will become less stressful, financial worries will disappear, or family members will become more available.
That’s why preventing postpartum depression shouldn’t become one more responsibility placed on the mother. Partners, families, friends, employers, and healthcare providers can all play a role.
Build Your Support System Early
Don’t wait until after the baby arrives to think about support.
Talk with people you trust about what you might need. When someone says, “Let me know if I can help,” give them something specific:
“Could you bring dinner next week?”
“Can you come with me to this appointment?”
“Could you check in with me this weekend?”
Pregnancy groups, prenatal classes, parenting groups, and online communities can also provide valuable connection. Consider finding postpartum resources before you need them.
Make Mental Health Part of Your Prenatal Care
Your prenatal appointments aren’t only about your baby. Your mental health matters, too.
Tell your obstetrician, midwife, primary care clinician, or psychiatrist if you’ve experienced depression or anxiety in the past.
If you have a history of depression—especially during a previous pregnancy or postpartum period—your healthcare team can help you develop a plan. That might include therapy, additional support, closer monitoring, medication when appropriate, or a combination of approaches.
You don’t have to wait until you’re struggling to ask for help.
Get Your Partner, Family or Friends Involved
If you have a partner, talk about more than baby names and the nursery.
Who will handle meals and laundry? How will nighttime responsibilities be divided? Who can help when you’re both exhausted? How will you know if one of you isn’t doing well?
Planning for the mother’s well-being should be just as much a part of preparing for a baby as buying a car seat.
Reduce Stress—Without Expecting Perfection
“Try not to stress” isn’t particularly helpful advice.
Instead, ask yourself: What can I realistically take off my plate?
Can you say no to something? Delegate a household task? Ask for flexibility at work? Protect more time for sleep? Let something be “good enough” instead of perfect?
Healthy food, appropriate physical activity, sleep, relaxation, and time with people you enjoy can all support your well-being. But self-care shouldn’t become another standard you have to meet perfectly.
Some days, self-care might mean taking a walk and cooking dinner.
Other days, it might mean ordering takeout and going to bed early.
Both count.
Postpartum Depression Isn’t Just a Mother’s Responsibility to Prevent
We often tell mothers to sleep more, exercise, meditate, eat well, and ask for help.
But perhaps we should also ask:
Does she actually have the help she needs?
Is someone helping with meals and household responsibilities? Is she getting opportunities to rest? Does her partner know the warning signs of depression? Does her workplace offer adequate support and flexibility? Can she access mental healthcare?
And is someone asking how she is doing—not just how the baby is doing?
We may not be able to prevent every episode of depression during pregnancy or postpartum. But recognizing risk early, strengthening support, reducing stress where possible, and having a treatment plan can make a meaningful difference.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after childbirth are treatable. However, some symptoms require immediate attention.
Seek urgent professional help if you:
Are thinking about hurting yourself, your baby, or someone else
Feel that you or your baby may not be safe
Become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful, or disconnected from reality
See or hear things that other people do not
Experience dramatic changes in your thinking or behavior
A rare but serious condition called postpartum psychosis can cause severe confusion, unusual beliefs, hallucinations, paranoia, extreme agitation, or significant changes in behavior. Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency.
If you or your baby may be in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In the United States, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
A Final Thought
Pregnancy and new parenthood can be joyful and beautiful. They can also be exhausting, stressful, lonely, and overwhelming.
All of those experiences can exist at the same time.
Taking care of a new baby should include caring for the person who brought that baby into the world.
If you have a history of depression or are worried about how you’re feeling, start the conversation with your healthcare provider early.
You don’t have to wait until you’re struggling to make a plan.
About the Author
Nkechi Conteh, MBBS, MPH is a board-certified psychiatrist with an interest in women’s mental health, including emotional well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and the founder of Conteh Psychiatry, a Women’s Mental Health Clinic. Dr. Conteh works with patients to understand their individual risks, treatment options, and support systems and believes conversations about maternal mental health should begin before a crisis develops.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for
individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please discuss concerns about your symptoms, medications, or treatment with a qualified healthcare professional.
If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency or believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or seek emergency medical care. In the United States, you may also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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