When to seek medical care for you or your baby
When to seek medical care for mothers
When to contact your healthcare provider
The early postnatal period (0–6 weeks after birth)
The first weeks after birth are a time of recovery, learning and adjustment for you, your baby and your family. Every family’s experience is different.
Emotional wellbeing support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
Social and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and after birth is shaped by many things including family, culture, community, Country and life experiences. It's normal to experience shifts in your wellbeing now and seeking support is okay.
Past experiences, including intergenerational trauma, can affect wellbeing.
Strong cultural connections, resilience and community support can also play an important protective role.
Family violence during pregnancy and after birth
This page includes information some people may find upsetting. If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero on 000. If you feel unsafe reading this information, you can use the ‘quick exit’ button on the corner of the page.
Emotional wellbeing screening
Mental health screening is a routine part of pregnancy care, just like ultrasounds and blood tests. You may be offered a screening questionnaire to complete. This questionnaire can’t be used to diagnose a mental health condition, it will assist you and your maternity care providers to understand if there is an area where you need more support and what support may be the most helpful for you.
These check‑ins help your maternity care provider understand how you are feeling and make sure you are offered support if you need it.
Ways to improve or manage your emotional wellbeing during pregnancy
Looking after your mental health during pregnancy can start with small simple steps. You don’t have to do everything at once and you don’t need to figure it out on your own.
You should talk to a healthcare provider or seek support at any time if feelings of sadness, anxiety or distress are affecting your daily function or make it hard to cope or care for yourself or your baby. Getting support early helps recovery and wellbeing for both parent and baby.
Common changes to your mental health and when to seek support
Emotional and mental health changes are common during pregnancy and after birth and everyone’s experience is different. Support is available at any time whether things feel manageable or more challenging.
You should talk to a maternity care provider or seek support at any time if feelings of sadness, anxiety or distress are affecting you or make it hard to cope or care for yourself or your baby. Getting support early helps recovery and wellbeing for both parent and baby.
Mental health before, during and after pregnancy
If you are feeling worried, overwhelmed or not yourself, you can talk to a healthcare provider or seek support at any time. Speak up no matter how minor it seems.
Find resources and tools to support your mental health and wellbeing.