PMADs: The Top Pregnancy & Postpartum Complication Most People Have Never Heard Of

This past week was Maternal Mental Health Week - also known as Perinatal Mental Health Week - and the conversation we need to be having is bigger than most people realize.

What Are PMADs?

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the number one complication of pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Number. One.

PMADs can occur any time during pregnancy or within the first one to three years postpartum - typically peaking around three to four months, right around the time many birth parents are returning to work.

Research shows that 1 in 5 birth parents experience one or more PMADs. And the true number is likely much higher, since stigma and shame cause mental health conditions to be significantly underreported.

I am 1 in 5.

PMADs & Racial Disparities: A Crisis Within a Crisis

The data on birth parents of color is especially urgent:

• 38% of birth parents of color experience PMADs — nearly twice the rate of white birth parents

• 60% of people of color with PMADs do not, or are not able to, access treatment

These are not just statistics. They represent a systemic failure that demands attention.

PMADs Are Not Just Postpartum Depression

For years, postpartum depression has been used as the catch-all term for postpartum mental health struggles. While 10–15% of birth parents do experience postpartum depression, many people don’t identify with depressive symptoms - and may not realize they’re still experiencing a PMAD.

PMADs encompass a wide range of diagnoses, including:

• Perinatal Bipolar Disorder

• Perinatal Anxiety

• Perinatal Panic Disorder

• Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Perinatal Psychosis

It’s also important to know that PMADs don’t only affect birth parents. Partners, and those who have experienced pregnancy loss, abortion, or adoption can experience PMADs too.

You Are Not Alone. You Are Not to Blame. With Help, You Will Be Well.

If any of this resonates with you, please reach out. You never need a diagnosis to ask for help.

🔵 Postpartum Support International HelpLine: Call or text 800-944-4773

🔵 Connect by PSI App: Download for free peer support

🔵 National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262

🔵 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

🔵 Free online support groups & resources: postpartum.net