Pregnancy Related Mental Health
Pregnancy and the first year after giving birth are a time of huge changes, and pregnancy-related depression and anxiety is the most common complication during this period of time. About 15 to 20% of women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety.
If you or someone you love is suffering from pregnancy-related mental health issues, there are high-quality resources in our community to help.
You are not alone.
For those who are pregnant or just had a baby, the National Maternal Mental Health hotline offers free, confidential support via phone or text.
Call 1-833-852-6262 or click to learn more. Available 24/7.
24/7 Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Substance Use Treatment During Pregnancy:
The Recovery Nurse Advocate Program
The Recovery Nurse Advocate program supports moms to:
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Find health care and insurance coverage
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Get mental health and substance use treatment
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Address nutritional needs
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Find stable housing and child care
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Access pregnancy and parenting education, and support groups
Call 303-467-4080 to learn more.
Pregnancy can bring big changes, and navigating addiction or a history of substance use can make it feel even more overwhelming.
The Recovery Nurse Advocate Program offers compassionate, no-cost support to pregnant women and new mothers. Nurse Advocates walk alongside each patient, offering steady, non-judgmental guidance. With kindness, encouragement, and practical support, the program helps parents build confidence, strengthen wellness, and prepare for life with their baby.
CUB Clinic at University of Denver
The CUB Clinic at DU offers services to support the mental health and developmental needs of pregnant and postpartum families with infants and young children.
Clinicians are advanced doctoral-level psychology students practicing under supervision of licensed clinical psychologists. If you are interested in meeting with a CUB Clinic therapist, please call 303-871-3626.
Press 1 to speak with a Clinic Assistant and request a phone screen.
CO PMHP is the Colorado Chapter of Postpartum Support International and offers a variety of services and resources to help families feel better.
CO PMHP connects families with help resources including online support groups, a Helpline that you can call or text, peer mentors, and more.
You can also find a therapist, support group, lactation consultant, or doula using the Online Provider Directory.
Colorado Perinatal Mental Health Project (CO PMHP)
Learn About Doulas: Culturally Sensitive Birthing Support
Birth doulas are non medical professionals whose role is to guide and serve a person going through childbirth.
Doulas provide physical and emotional support to the birthing parent and their partner. Doulas can help increase comfort with touch, breathing techniques, and tools to help position the baby in the birth canal.
Working with a doula can be a way to ensure that your culture, religious and other preferences are respected.
Looking for a childbirth doula?
You can request doula services from the Elephant Circle, a nonprofit.
The Family Navigation Team can also connect your family with culturally sensitive birthing support.
Mental Health Disorders During Pregnancy & the Postpartum Period
The information in this section is from Postpartum Support International (PSI).
Depression During Pregnancy & Postpartum (PPD)
One may feel anger, sadness, irritability, guilt, lack of interest in the baby, changes in eating and sleeping habits, trouble concentrating, thoughts of hopelessness and sometimes even thoughts of harming the baby or themselves.
Anxiety During Pregnancy & Postpartum (PPA)
One may experience extreme worries and fears, often over the health and safety of the baby. Some people have panic attacks and might feel shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, a feeling of losing control, or numbness and tingling.
Pregnancy or Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (PPOCD)
One may have repetitive, upsetting and unwanted thoughts or mental images (obsessions), and sometimes need to do certain things over and over (compulsions) to reduce the anxiety caused by those thoughts.
Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PPTSD)
Often caused by a traumatic or frightening childbirth or past trauma. Symptoms may include flashbacks of the trauma with feelings of anxiety.
Bipolar Mood Disorders
Many people are diagnosed for the first time with bipolar depression or mania during pregnancy or postpartum.
Postpartum Psychosis (PPT)
One may hallucinate, or see and hear voices or images that others can’t. They may believe things that aren’t true and distrust those around them. This severe condition is dangerous; seek help immediately.