Various studies have shown that anxiety and depression during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of complications in the baby.
Daughters and sons of mothers who go through these emotional disorders may present delays in neurological development. These emotional alterations during pregnancy can cause biological processes in the placenta, such as placental methylation, which reduce the functioning of four key genes for the neurological development of the fetus.
This is explained by Dr. Ma. del Pilar Meza Rodríguez, a researcher in Medical Sciences attached to the Department of Neurosciences of the National Institute of Perinatology of Mexico “Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes”, who highlights the importance of early identifying emotional risk factors during pregnancy, in order to provide specialized care and reduce possible consequences for both the mother and the baby.
Anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum affect approximately 1 in 7 women globally and represent a relevant public health challenge, according to the clinical review Perinatal Depression, published in StatPearls and housed in the NCBI Bookshelf of the National Library of Medicine (NIH).
However, it is estimated that up to 50% of cases remain undiagnosed, due to the stigma surrounding these conditions and the reluctance of many women to speak openly about their symptoms.
In the United States, this problem is reflected in the most recent public health data. According to the Health of Women and Children 2025 report from America’s Health Rankings®, 11.9% of women (about 318,000) reported symptoms of postpartum depression in 2023, while 20.3% (about 544,000 women) reported symptoms of postpartum anxiety, underscoring the importance of reinforcing early detection and maternal mental health support.
Support from pregnancy
According to Lizeth Cuara, maternal well-being specialist and CEO of Misty Phases, postpartum depression can occur as a result of hormonal changes, lack of sleep and physical exhaustion, as well as emotional and social factors such as stress, isolation or lack of support. It is a common, real and treatable condition, whose timely detection is key to the health of mothers and their children.
Although it is not always possible to prevent postpartum depression, evidence shows that emotional support and timely access to mental health services and continuous monitoring during pregnancy and postpartum can reduce its impact and promote a faster recovery.
Support since pregnancy, having a solid support network, and maintaining self-care habits—such as adequate rest, a balanced diet, and moderate physical activity—are key factors for emotional well-being at this stage.
In this context, Misty Phases promotes a comprehensive vision of the postpartum, in which care of the body and mind are addressed together. Recognizing the importance of physical well-being as part of emotional balance contributes to a more conscious, accompanied and empathetic postpartum.
Talking about postpartum depression also implies normalizing self-care as a support and prevention tool, promoting an informed process free of stigma.
The emotional well-being of mothers is strengthened when care is reflected in concrete actions that promote physical recovery, comfort and a feeling of security during the postpartum, with a positive impact on maternal and family health.
