Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
The journey to and through parenthood is one of the most profound life transitions — and it can also be one of the most challenging for mental health. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect up to 1 in 5 women, yet they remain significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Dr. Fredes brings focused expertise and deep compassion to perinatal psychiatry. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms for the first time during pregnancy, struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, or navigating medication decisions while breastfeeding, you deserve expert care that takes both your health and your baby’s into account.
Conditions We Treat
- Prenatal Depression & Anxiety — Mood and anxiety symptoms that develop during pregnancy
- Postpartum Depression — Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or difficulty bonding that goes beyond the “baby blues”
- Postpartum Anxiety — Excessive worry, racing thoughts, and difficulty relaxing after childbirth
- Postpartum OCD — Intrusive, distressing thoughts about harm to the baby, with compulsive checking or avoidance
- Pregnancy Loss Grief — Emotional aftermath of miscarriage, stillbirth, or fertility challenges
- Medication Management During Pregnancy — Navigating existing psychiatric medications when planning or during pregnancy
- Breastfeeding-Compatible Treatment — Medication options that are safe during lactation
You are not alone, and this is not your fault. Perinatal mood disorders are medical conditions caused by a combination of hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and life stress. They are not a reflection of your ability as a parent. With proper treatment, most women recover fully.
Our Approach to Perinatal Care
Before & During Pregnancy
- Preconception medication planning and risk assessment
- Shared decision-making about medication safety during pregnancy
- Monitoring and dose adjustments as pregnancy progresses
- Collaboration with your OB/GYN and midwife team
- Evidence-based resources on medication risks vs. untreated illness
Postpartum & Beyond
- Early identification and treatment of postpartum conditions
- Breastfeeding-compatible medication options
- Sleep restoration strategies for new parents
- Screening for postpartum psychosis (a psychiatric emergency)
- Long-term follow-up and relapse prevention planning
Insurance & Pricing
We accept major insurance plans for perinatal psychiatric care:
✓ Aetna
✓ BCBSTX
✓ Cigna
✓ Oscar Health
✓ United Healthcare
Self-pay and out-of-network options are also available. View full pricing details →
When to Seek Help
It can be hard to distinguish between normal adjustment and a perinatal mood disorder. Consider reaching out if you’re experiencing:
- Sadness, crying, or emotional numbness that persists beyond the first two weeks postpartum
- Difficulty bonding with your baby or feeling disconnected
- Intrusive, scary thoughts about harm coming to your baby
- Excessive worry that keeps you from sleeping even when the baby is asleep
- Feeling like you’re failing as a parent despite evidence to the contrary
- Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy, including your baby
Early intervention makes a significant difference in recovery. You deserve support.