Mental Health Matters

Loading...

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

Back

What to Expect in the First Trimester

Aug 12, 2025

1 min read

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Pregnancy can be filled with emotions of joy, anxiety, nervousness and excitement. Many changes are happening daily – even if you don’t yet see or feel them. During the first trimester, the human body works overtime to grow new life which is why it can be the hardest trimester for some.

In this trimester, several major organs begin to develop for baby and you may begin to feel some hormonal changes. In fact, your body produces more estrogen during one pregnancy than it does during your entire life when you are not pregnant. This is why you may have symptoms of breast tenderness, nausea or vomiting, bloating, fatigue and more. The first

trimester lasts until the end of the 13^th week of pregnancy. By then, your baby will have fingers and toes and will have fully functioning urinary and digestive systems.

It is important to contact your OB/GYN as soon as you find out you’re a pregnant.

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