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Mental Health Matters

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Mental Health Matters

September 14, 2026

September is Suicide Prevention awareness month.  Many changes occur during and after pregnancy to women’s bodies, minds, and lifestyles. Some changes are normal and expected as your body changes and you adjust to life with a new baby.


Perinatal depression/anxiety affects approximately 1 in 5 pregnant women and partners. It is important to know what to expect and when to reach out for mental and emotional help during these times. Symptoms can start anytime during the perinatal period and they may differ for each person and potentially worsen in the postpartum period.  They might include the following:


•          Feelings of anger, irritability and/or rage

•          Lack of interest in the baby

•          Disturbances of sleep and appetite

•          Crying and sadness

•          Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness

•          Loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

•          Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself


Iberia Medical Center’s Obstetrics and Behavioral Health Services teams work together to maintain the mental health of moms during such a vulnerable time.


Please reach out to the National Maternal Health Hotline (For emotional support and resources, call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) 24/7), your provider, or our Behavioral Health Services team if you ever have any of these signs and symptoms. You are not alone. We are here to help.

 


Behavioral Health Services at Iberia Medical Center – 337-376-5713


Obstetrics Clinic at Iberia Medical Center – 337-256-8779


Need a provider? https://www.iberiamedicalcenter.com/find-a-provider 

 

Group B Streptococcus and Pregnancy

Jul 18, 2024
1 min read

Updated: Jul 23, 2024

July is Group B Streptococcus Awareness Month.


What is Group B Streptococcus?


Group B Streptococcus, GBS, is a common bacterium found in the body often carried in the intestines or lower genital tract. It is a type of bacteria that many people carry normally and can be passed to the fetus at the time of delivery. GBS can cause serious infection in some newborns. Many healthy adults who carry GBS have no signs or symptoms and will not be affected by the diagnosis. GBS should not be confused with Group A Streptococcus, the bacteria that causes “strep throat”.


Testing for Group B Strep


Testing for GBS is a quick and painless culture screening performed by your OB practice. At 35-37 weeks of pregnancy, medical professionals will use a large cotton swab to collect samples from the vagina and rectum. The sample will be sent off and results should come back within 1-3 days. Antibiotics are often given to women who carry the bacteria during labor to prevent newborn infection.


Have more questions about GBS? Ask your physician.


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