SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. — Multiple studies have shown that anxiety and depression during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of adverse outcomes for the baby. Children born to mothers who experience these emotional disorders may face delays in neurological development. Emotional distress during pregnancy can trigger biological processes in the placenta—such as placental methylation—which may reduce the activity of four key genes essential for fetal neurological development.
This is explained by Dr. Ma. del Pilar Meza Rodríguez, a Medical Sciences researcher at the Department of Neurosciences of the National Institute of Perinatology “Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes” in Mexico, who emphasizes the importance of early identification of emotional risk factors during pregnancy in order to provide specialized care and reduce potential consequences for both mother and baby.
Globally, anxiety and depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period affect approximately 1 in 7 women, representing a significant public health challenge, according to the clinical review Perinatal Depression published in StatPearls and hosted on the NCBI Bookshelf of the National Library of Medicine (NIH). However, it is estimated that up to 50% of cases remain undiagnosed, largely due to the stigma surrounding these conditions and many women’s reluctance to openly discuss their symptoms.
In the United States, this issue is reflected in the most recent public health data. According to the Health of Women and Children 2025 report by America’s Health Rankings, 11.9% of women (approximately 318,000) reported symptoms of postpartum depression in 2023, while 20.3% (around 544,000 women) reported symptoms of postpartum anxiety, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen early detection and maternal mental health support.
According to Lizeth Cuara, maternal wellness specialist and CEO of Misty Phases, postpartum depression can result from hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and physical exhaustion, as well as emotional and social factors such as stress, isolation, and lack of support. “It is a common, real, and treatable condition, and early detection is essential for the health of mothers and their children,” she notes.
While postpartum depression cannot always be prevented, evidence shows that emotional support, timely access to mental health services, and continuous care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period can reduce its impact and support a faster recovery. Support beginning in pregnancy, having a strong support network, and maintaining self-care habits—such as adequate rest, balanced nutrition, and moderate physical activity—are key factors for emotional well-being during this stage.
In this context, Misty Phases promotes a holistic vision of the postpartum experience, in which physical and emotional care are addressed together. Recognizing the importance of physical well-being as part of emotional balance contributes to a more conscious, supported, and empathetic postpartum journey.
Talking about postpartum depression also means normalizing self-care as a tool for support and prevention, fostering an informed and stigma-free process. Maternal emotional well-being is strengthened when care translates into concrete actions that promote physical recovery, comfort, and a sense of safety during the postpartum period—positively impacting maternal and family health.
Misty Phases is a company dedicated to the design of postpartum care products. Founded by Lizeth Cuara, it is recognized as the first brand created by a Mexican woman with a pioneering approach that blends traditional healing practices with modern, accessible solutions to support women’s postpartum recovery. Their product line includes postpartum wraps, panties, essential postpartum kits, leggings and shorts, herbal bath blends, nursing bras, restorative oils and creams, and hot/cold gel packs.
