24/07/2026
💚 Samaritans Awareness Day – 24 July 💚
Pregnancy, Childbirth & Suicidal Thoughts: When Emotional Pain Feels Too Heavy, You Don't Have to Carry It Alone
, awarded the 2026 Great Patient Experience badge, with over 25 years experience, NHS Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
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Pregnancy and becoming a mother are often described as the happiest times in a woman's life.
For many women, they are.
But for others, pregnancy and the months after childbirth can also bring unexpected emotional challenges that are rarely spoken about.
It is possible to love your baby deeply and still struggle with your mental health.
These experiences are more common than many people realise—and they deserve the same compassion, understanding and medical care as any physical complication of pregnancy.
On Samaritans Awareness Day, let's help break the silence.
The connection between pregnancy, hormones and mental health
During pregnancy and after birth, a woman's body undergoes some of the most dramatic hormonal changes experienced during her lifetime.
Levels of oestrogen and progesterone rise significantly during pregnancy, then fall rapidly after childbirth.
These hormonal changes can influence mood, sleep, energy and emotional regulation in some women.
However, hormones are only one part of the picture.
Mental health during and after pregnancy is influenced by many factors, including:
• Previous depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
• Traumatic birth experiences
• Pregnancy loss or fertility difficulties
• Lack of sleep
• Physical recovery after childbirth
• Relationship difficulties
• Financial stress
• Domestic abuse
• Isolation and lack of support
• Medical complications affecting mother or baby
No woman should blame herself for experiencing emotional distress.
The global picture
• According to the World Health Organization, around 10% of pregnant women and approximately 13% of women after childbirth experience a mental health condition, most commonly depression or anxiety.
• In some low- and middle-income countries, these figures may rise to 15–20% or more.
• Su***de remains one of the leading causes of maternal death during the first year after pregnancy in several high-income countries, highlighting why maternal mental health is an essential part of maternity care.
• Many women experiencing suicidal thoughts never tell anyone because of fear, shame or concern that they will be judged as "bad mothers."
What is common—but not normal?
Many women are told to simply "cope."
But some symptoms should never be ignored.
Please seek help if you experience:
• Persistent sadness lasting more than two weeks
• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
• Severe anxiety or constant panic
• Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy
• Feeling unable to bond with your baby
• Persistent feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Feeling like a burden to others
• Thoughts that your family would be "better off without you"
• Thoughts of harming yourself
• Thoughts of harming your baby
• Hearing voices or experiencing beliefs that others say are not true (these require urgent medical assessment)
These symptoms are not a sign of weakness.
They are signs that you deserve support.
Observe your body—and question your mind
As women, we often notice physical symptoms quickly.
We should give our emotional health the same attention.
Ask yourself:
• Am I exhausted beyond what feels expected?
• Have my thoughts become unusually negative?
• Do I feel trapped or hopeless?
• Have I stopped talking about how I really feel?
Remember:
Not every thought reflects reality.
Depression and anxiety can distort the way we see ourselves, our future and our worth.
Thoughts are experiences—not instructions.
If your mind is telling you that you are alone, ask someone you trust whether that story is really true.
Sharing lightens the weight
Many women believe they must appear strong for everyone else.
You don't.
Speaking openly with your partner, family, friend, midwife, GP, health visitor, obstetrician, gynaecologist or a mental health professional is not a burden—it is an act of courage.
Sharing your worries can:
• Reduce feelings of isolation
• Help others recognise your struggles
• Lead to earlier treatment
• Improve outcomes for both mother and baby
You were never meant to carry this weight alone.
My message to every mother and mother-to-be
💚 Your mental health is part of your maternity care.
💚 Looking after yourself is part of looking after your baby.
💚 Asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.
💚 Observe changes in both your body and your mind with kindness.
💚 Accept support without guilt.
Every woman deserves to feel heard, respected and cared for.
With the right support, recovery is possible.
There is hope.
There is help.
And there is always someone willing to listen.
Dr Hisham Abouzeid
Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician
NHS & Private Practice
Bupa Platinum Consultant | Great Patient Experience Award 2026
Medical Disclaimer
This post is intended for general education and public awareness only and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after childbirth may contribute to mood changes in some women, but suicidal thoughts are complex and usually involve a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. If you are experiencing persistent low mood, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, thoughts of self-harm or su***de, or concerns about harming your baby, seek urgent advice from your GP, midwife, obstetrician, mental health professional or local maternity service. If you believe you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, contact your local emergency services or attend your nearest emergency department immediately. Confidential support is also available through crisis mental health services and organisations such as Samaritans.
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