Maternal Mental Health Resources & Other Information for Individuals With Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)

According to the National Institute of Health, maternal mental health disorders are the number one complication associated with pregnancy and the process of childbirth. PMADs, or perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, are a group of illnesses that affect approximately 1 in 5 women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. According to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Black women are twice as likely as white women to experience a PMAD, but half as likely to receive treatment. PMADs include: perinatal depression, perinatal anxiety, perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder, perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder, and postpartum psychosis. It is understood that the perinatal period begins three months prior to childbirth and may continue to at least one year post birth.

ACS is raising awareness about PMADs, signs and symptoms, its prevalence, and the ways in which pregnant & birthing people throughout the perinatal and post-partum periods can be supported and connected to services. For a list of resources, please see below:

Informational Video on PMADs

• Facts on PMADs
• PMADs Services Covered by Medicaid

Pregnant, Postpartum and Parenting People who feel they need mental health support can call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline which provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.