Perinatal Mental Health & Wellness Across Communities
Perinatal health encompasses both physical and mental well-being during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period—each deeply interconnected and essential to the health of birthing people, infants, and families. Physical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and pregnancy-related complications often intersect with mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. Addressing these needs together, rather than in isolation, is critical to improving outcomes across the perinatal continuum.
Across communities, access to comprehensive, respectful, and culturally responsive perinatal care remains uneven. Structural inequities, systemic racism, economic barriers, and gaps in healthcare delivery disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, as well as rural and underserved populations. These disparities contribute to higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, unmet mental health needs, and preventable complications. Community-based care models, policy reform, and inclusive health systems are essential to closing these gaps.
This resource guide brings together trusted clinical, community, and educational resources that support whole-person perinatal health. It is designed for pregnant and postpartum individuals, families, healthcare providers, and community organizations seeking information, tools, and support related to physical health, mental well-being, and self-care. By centering equity, lived experience, and evidence-based care, this guide aims to promote healthier pregnancies, safer births, and stronger families across communities.
Organizations
American Pregnancy Association
A health education organization offering evidence-based information on pregnancy, fertility, childbirth, prenatal care, and early parenting, with articles, tools, and helplines.
March of Dimes
A nonprofit focused on improving the health of moms and babies through research, education, advocacy, and programs aimed at preventing birth defects, premature birth, and maternal complications.
Mother to Baby
Provides expert, evidence-based information on the safety of medications, vaccines, chemicals, and illnesses during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including free counseling by phone or chat.
Go Red for Women
A resource hub from the American Heart Association focused on maternal heart health, pregnancy risks, prevention tools, and education about cardiovascular conditions affecting women.
National Maternal Health Hotline
A free, confidential hotline offering 24/7 mental health support, resources, and referrals for pregnant and postpartum individuals, including text and phone support in multiple languages.
HeadStart
Information on Early Head Start programs that support pregnant people and families with infants through health services, education, family support, and early childhood development resources.
Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine
A professional medical organization representing high-risk pregnancy specialists, providing clinical guidance, research, education, and patient resources related to complex pregnancies.
Maternity Care Coalition
A nonprofit organization focused on improving maternal and child health outcomes through community-based programs, doula support, education, advocacy, and health equity initiatives.
Planned Parenthood
A national reproductive health organization providing clinical services, education, and advocacy related to pregnancy, contraception, abortion care, sexual health, and family planning.
BIPOC Organizations
National Birth Equity Collective
An organization dedicated to advancing racial and birth equity through research, training, policy advocacy, and community-led solutions to improve Black maternal and infant health.
Sista Midwife Productions
A cultural advocacy organization providing education, training, and storytelling to support Black midwives, doulas, and birth workers and promote traditional and community-based care.
Black Mamas Matter Alliance
A national alliance advocating for Black maternal health, rights, and justice through policy, research, leadership development, and community engagement.
Moms Rising Together
An advocacy organization focused on family economic security, maternal health, paid leave, childcare, and racial and gender equity through campaigns and policy work.
Icahn School of Medicine
An academic research hub highlighting clinical research, initiatives, and innovations related to women’s and maternal health across the lifespan.
Mama Glow
A global maternal health organization offering doula services, education, advocacy, and training with a strong emphasis on equity, wellness, and culturally competent care.
Birth Center Equity
An initiative focused on advancing birth center care and improving access to community-based maternity care, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations.
Black Women’s Health Imperative
A national organization dedicated to advancing health equity for Black women through policy advocacy, education, research, and leadership development.
General Research
Effects of prenatal stress on pregnancy and human development: mechanisms and pathways
Reviews biological and psychosocial mechanisms through which prenatal stress affects pregnancy outcomes and child development, including neuroendocrine, immune, and epigenetic pathways.
Tailored Prenatal Care Delivery for Pregnant Individuals
Provides clinical guidance from ACOG on individualized prenatal care models, emphasizing flexibility in visit frequency, care modalities, and patient-centered approaches based on risk and preferences.
Prenatal Care: New Perspectives About an Often Used Health Service
Critically examines the structure and assumptions of traditional prenatal care, highlighting gaps in evidence, opportunities for innovation, and the need for equity-focused redesign.
Women’s Experience of Prenatal Care: An Integrative Review
Synthesizes qualitative and quantitative studies on women’s perceptions of prenatal care, emphasizing the importance of communication, continuity, respect, and emotional support.
Adequate Prenatal Care: An Integrative Review
Explores how “adequate” prenatal care is defined and measured, critiquing traditional indices and advocating for broader definitions that include quality and patient experience.
The evolution of prenatal care delivery guidelines in the United States
Traces historical changes in U.S. prenatal care guidelines, highlighting shifts toward evidence-based practice, risk stratification, and alternative care models.
A critical evaluation of prenatal supplements: Are they meeting the mark?
Evaluates the composition, regulation, and effectiveness of prenatal supplements, identifying gaps between recommended nutrients and commercially available products.
The Impact of Prenatal Care on the Prevention of Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Health Interventions
Assesses global evidence on how prenatal care interventions influence neonatal outcomes, finding variable effectiveness depending on care quality, timing, and context.
The Effects of Prenatal Diagnosis on the Interaction of the Mother–Infant Dyad: A Longitudinal Study of Prenatal Care in the First Year of Life
Examines how prenatal diagnosis influences maternal–infant interaction during the first year of life, with implications for emotional bonding and caregiving behaviors.
BIPOC Research
Prenatal and Postpartum Care Experiences Among Black Birthing People in the United States: An Integrative Review
Synthesizes evidence on Black birthing people’s care experiences, highlighting racism, dismissal of concerns, and structural barriers alongside calls for respectful, culturally responsive care.
Experiences of racial Trauma among perinatal women of color in seeking healthcare services
Explores how racial trauma manifests in perinatal healthcare encounters and its impact on trust, care avoidance, and mental health among women of color.
Navigating Nutrition Inequities: BIPOC Maternal Health and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)’s Fruit and Vegetable Voucher
Analyzes how structural inequities shape BIPOC mothers’ experiences with WIC nutrition benefits, emphasizing access barriers and program limitations.
America’s Racial Reckoning Within Perinatal Communication: A Rapid Review Using Sociotechnical Systems Theory to Compare Publications Before and After 2020
Compares perinatal communication research before and after 2020, identifying shifts toward acknowledging racism, power dynamics, and sociotechnical systems in care.
Listen to the Whispers Before They Become Screams: Addressing Black Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the United States
Discusses systemic contributors to Black maternal morbidity and mortality and advocates for early intervention, patient listening, and structural reform.
Big Data Needs and Challenges to Advance Research on Racial and Ethnic Inequities in Maternal and Child Health
Examines how limitations in data collection, standardization, and equity hinder research on maternal health disparities and proposes solutions for improvement.
Fear of Birth and Childbirth Preferences in BIPOC Women Prior to Childbirth Education
Investigates levels of birth-related fear and care preferences among BIPOC women, emphasizing the role of prior experiences, racism, and access to education.
Radical Healing Approaches For Black Maternal Health: A Critical Review
Reviews trauma-informed and community-based “radical healing” frameworks as strategies to address structural racism and promote Black maternal well-being.
How Can We Solve the Black Maternal Health Crisis?
Outlines policy, healthcare, and community-based solutions to the Black maternal health crisis, emphasizing accountability, data equity, and structural change.
Enhancing Prenatal Group Medical Visits with Mindfulness Skills: A Pragmatic Trial with Latina and BIPOC Pregnant Women Experiencing Multiple Forms of Structural Inequity
Reports on a trial integrating mindfulness into prenatal group care for Latina and BIPOC pregnant women, showing improvements in stress, engagement, and perceived support.
Self-Care and Mental Health
Perinatal Mental Health Tool Kit
A clinical and patient-facing toolkit from ACOG offering screening tools, treatment guidance, and resources to support mental health during pregnancy and postpartum care.
Perinatal mental health
Provides global guidance on maternal and perinatal mental health, including prevention strategies, policy recommendations, and integration of mental health into maternal care systems.
The Importance of Integrating Maternal Mental Health with Pregnancy Care
Highlights why mental health screening and support should be a routine part of prenatal care, emphasizing outcomes for both birthing people and infants.
The toll of maternal mental illness in America
Examines the prevalence, consequences, and systemic gaps surrounding maternal mental illness in the U.S., including workforce shortages and access barriers.
Perinatal Mental Health
A policy-focused collection of research and commentary on perinatal mental health, addressing healthcare systems, equity, and public health implications.
Perinatal Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
An educational resource outlining common perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, warning signs, treatment options, and pathways to support.
Mental Health During Pregnancy
Provides accessible information on mental health conditions during pregnancy, coping strategies, and when to seek professional support.
Prevention and Early Intervention in Mental health – Prenatal Period to Early Childhood
A policy statement advocating for early mental health screening, prevention, and intervention from pregnancy through early childhood.
What expectant moms need to know about mental health during and after pregnancy
Explains how mental health during pregnancy and postpartum affects both emotional and physical health, including links to cardiovascular outcomes.
Podcasts
Sisters in Loss
A storytelling platform and podcast centering Black women’s experiences with infertility, pregnancy loss, and maternal mental health.
A Birth Story Podcast & Postpartum Support
Shares birth stories from people of color while offering postpartum mental health support, education, and community connection.
Dem Black Mamas
A podcast exploring Black motherhood, pregnancy, mental health, and reproductive justice through lived experiences and expert voices.
Natal
A storytelling platform and podcast focused on pregnancy, birth, loss, and postpartum experiences, emphasizing emotional honesty and healing.
From Fertility to Parenthood: Better Care for BIPOC Families with Dr. Suzanne Mungalez
An episode discussing gaps in fertility and perinatal care for BIPOC families and strategies to improve culturally responsive support.
Dr. M.’s Podcast
A physician-hosted podcast addressing women’s health topics, including pregnancy, mental health, and patient empowerment.
Maternal Health Innovation
Features conversations with innovators, clinicians, and advocates working to improve maternal health systems and outcomes.
Well Worth Watering
A wellness-focused podcast exploring mental health, healing, and self-care, particularly within marginalized communities.
A Tribe Called Fertility
Centers fertility, pregnancy, and reproductive health experiences among people of color, with an emphasis on community and advocacy.