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

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Heart Health During Pregnancy: Why Knowing Your Numbers Matters

Feb 18

1 min read

During pregnancy, your heart works harder, your blood volume increases and your entire cardiovascular system adapts to support your growing baby. Because of these changes, heart health during pregnancy is important. Knowing your numbers can make a difference.

Blood Pressure

Monitoring your blood pressure closely is important in pregnancy. High blood pressure can lead to some serious complications, such as pre-eclampsia and bleeding. This may result in early delivery. You should notify your doctor if your blood pressure is higher than 140/90.

Blood Sugar

Insulin resistance increases in pregnancy, which is why gestational diabetes can develop. Uncontrolled blood sugar can increase long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. With monitoring, nutrition guidance and sometimes medication, gestational diabetes can be managed.

Cholesterol

In pregnancy, cholesterol naturally rises to support hormone production and fetal development. Significantly elevated levels can increase long-term cardiovascular risk. Knowing your pre-pregnancy or postpartum cholesterol levels is important to protect your heart.

Monitoring these numbers helps protect both your pregnancy and your long-term heart health. Supporting your heart during this time is one of the best investments you can make for you and your baby.

Dr. Damian Delhomme, OB/GYN