It is important to consider the risks of an untreated condition like postpartum anxiety or depression when making the decision to start treatment. This is especially important as, during pregnancy and postpartum, there are risks to both the birthing parent and the baby.

With untreated or sub-optimally treated (treated but still symptomatic) anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum there are increased risks of:

Increased risks for you:

Pregnancy:

• Poor nutrition 
• Poor compliance with prenatal care
• Preeclampsia
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Mania, psychosis, suicidal ideation, death
• Substance use

Postpartum:

• Chronic depression and anxiety symptoms 
• Mania, psychosis, suicidal ideation, death
• Decreased productivity at work
• Decreased quality of life
• Increased healthcare costs, visits to ER

Increased risks to your child:

• Poor bonding between infant and parent
• Breast/chest feeding difficulties and decreased duration
• Infant death
• Delays in Cognitive development
• Early onset of depressive illness
• Emotional and conduct disorders 
• Special education needs

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