South Africa
Psychiatrists urge action on maternal mental health─── ZENANDE MPAME 16:05 Wed, 04 Feb 2026
As South Africa observes National Pregnancy Awareness Week, renewed attention is being placed on the importance of protecting both physical and mental health during pregnancy.
The week will be observed until Saturday (7/2) to strengthen pregnancy education and stress important issues that promote healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood.
Mental health experts warn depression and anxiety remain widely misunderstood and undertreated, despite clear evidence that early support and appropriate treatment can safeguard the well-being of mothers, babies, and families.
The South African Society of Psychiatrists notes between 16% and 50% of South African women experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy, with up to one in ten at high risk of suicide.
“Untreated mental illness during pregnancy affects not only how a woman feels, but also how her body functions and how she’s able to care for herself and a baby,” said Stellenbosch Business School healthcare leadership head Prof Renata Schoeman.
“Mental illness during pregnancy is real, widespread, and treatable. Ignoring symptoms or stopping medication without guidance can place both mother and baby at risk.
“A major concern for us is severe postnatal depression and relapse, with self-harm or even suicide in the mother. The worst outcome, in devastating cases, is harm or death of the baby, or the so-called infanticide,” she said.
‘Untreated depression and anxiety increase risks’
Research shows that untreated depression and anxiety increase the risk of:
- premature birth and low birth weight;
- poor growth and development of the baby;
- difficulty bonding with the baby after birth;
- severe postnatal depression and relapse;
- self-harm or suicide in the mother; and
- harm to or death of the baby (infanticide).
For women with moderate to severe symptoms, medication is often necessary, alongside counselling and social support. While mood changes are common in pregnancy, persistent or severe symptoms are not something women should endure alone.
Pregnant women are urged to seek professional help. Photo: joburg.org.za
Psychiatrists urge that women should seek professional help when they experience:
- ongoing sadness, numbness, or hopelessness;
- constant worry, panic attacks, or overwhelming fear;
- extreme tiredness, sleep problems, or appetite changes;
- feeling unable to cope or function; and
- thoughts of harming themselves or their baby.
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