Your mental and emotional wellbeing
Mood changes in pregnancy and after birth, when it is more than the baby blues, and where to get help.
- Feeling tearful in the first two weeks after birth is common
- Symptoms lasting more than two weeks deserve help
- Depression and anxiety in pregnancy are treatable
- Tell your clinic — you do not have to cope alone
Pregnancy and new motherhood change your life, your body and your sleep, so it is normal to feel a mixture of excitement, worry and exhaustion. Many women feel tearful and sensitive in the first two weeks after birth — often called the "baby blues" — and this usually settles.
It may be more than that if low mood, anxiety, irritability, loss of interest, guilt, difficulty bonding with your baby, or trouble eating or sleeping (beyond ordinary baby-related tiredness) last more than two weeks, or if they stop you managing daily life. Depression and anxiety in pregnancy and after birth are common and treatable — they are not a personal failing.
What helps: telling someone you trust, accepting practical help, rest, gentle activity, and speaking to your clinic. Counselling and, when appropriate, medicine that is compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding are available.
Nalady is not a counselling or crisis service. If you feel you might harm yourself or your baby, treat it as an emergency.
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Feeling unable to care for your baby
- Hearing or seeing things others do not, or losing touch with reality
- Not eating, drinking or sleeping at all
These need urgent help. Go to your nearest hospital or clinic now, or in South Africa call the SADAG helpline on 0800 567 567. If there is immediate danger, call 10177 or go to the nearest emergency unit.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.