Risks of Untreated Perinatal Depression (For You and Your Baby)

Depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period is more common than many people realize, affecting approximately 12% of women. If you're experiencing symptoms, you may wonder whether treatment is truly necessary.

The evidence is clear: untreated depression poses serious risks to both you and your baby.

How Untreated Depression Affects Your Baby

Research shows that untreated depression during pregnancy and postpartum can affect your child in multiple ways:

• Developmental delays in social, language, motor, and cognitive skills from infancy through adolescence

• Attachment difficulties and problems with mother-infant bonding

• Behavioral and emotional problems extending into childhood and the teenage years

• Lower school performance and increased risk of psychiatric disorders later in life

These effects can extend well beyond infancy, influencing long-term emotional and cognitive development.

Why Perinatal Treatment Matters

Treating depression during pregnancy and postpartum supports both your health and your child’s development. When symptoms improve, many women experience better bonding, increased engagement, and improved overall well-being.

Perinatal Treatment Options Without Medication

If you are concerned about medication exposure, non-medication treatments like TMS may offer an effective alternative.

👉 Learn more about TMS for pregnancy and postpartum depression

References

1. Rogers A, Obst S, Teague SJ, et al. Association Between Maternal Perinatal Depression and Anxiety and Child and Adolescent Development: A Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatrics. 2020;174(11):1082–1092.

2. Netsi E, Pearson RM, Murray L, et al. Association of Persistent and Severe Postnatal Depression With Child Outcomes. JAMA Psychiatry. 2020;75(3):247–253.

3. Kovich H, Kim W, Quaste AM. Pharmacologic Treatment of Depression. American Family Physician. 2023;107(2):173–181.