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Despite growing awareness, data from The Harris Poll’s 2026 State of Maternal Health Report reveal that profound misconceptions and gaps in maternal mental health care persist, affecting a significant portion of mothers.
Misconceptions Surrounding Postpartum Depression (PPD)
A startling one-third of women (33%) hold the misconception that postpartum depression (PPD) always manifests soon after birth – with Hispanic and Black women more likely than their White counterparts more likely to incorrectly believe this (39% & 44% vs. 28%). This statistic underlines a critical gap in understanding the onset timing of PPD, which can actually occur at any point during the first year postpartum[1]. Further, about half of women (51%) are unaware that PPD does not typically resolve without intervention[2]—a knowledge gap more prevalent among Black women (66% vs. 54% Hispanic & 48% White). This highlights the dire need for enhanced education and support systems, especially for these demographics who are at heightened risk for PPD[3].
Mental Health Diagnoses & Demographic Disparities
More than a third of women who are/have been pregnant (36%) have been diagnosed with a mental health condition during their pregnancy journey, with Hispanic and Black women reporting higher diagnosis rates than their White counterparts (51% & 43% vs. 31%). Notably, younger women who are/have been pregnant and have likely experienced pregnancy more recently, are more than twice as likely as their older counterparts to have been diagnosed with a mental health condition during their journey—55% among those ages 18-44 compared to just 27% among those ages 45+. These findings suggest that mental health challenges during the pregnancy journey are more widespread than previously recognized, although awareness is evolving.
The Call for Better Postpartum Care
An overwhelming majority of women (86%) believe there needs to be more postpartum follow-up as standard care (i.e., the 6-week post-partum checkup is not enough), with 44% strongly agreeing with this sentiment. Such consensus underscores the public’s recognition of the need for continuous support through the postpartum period, beyond immediate physical recovery.
Additionally, more than half of women who’ve been pregnant (56%) experienced mental health issues postpartum. Alarmingly, among these women, over half (52%) say they received subpar or no support from providers. Lack of proper support appears to be more prevalent among OB patients compared to midwife patients (56% vs. 39%). These disparities illustrate a significant area in the healthcare system that requires urgent attention and improvement.
Furthermore, more than 4 in 5 mothers who had a recent traumatic birth (81%) report experiencing mental health issues postpartum, versus just 51% of those who did not have a traumatic birth. These findings suggest a direct correlation between trauma experienced during childbirth and mental health postpartum.
Insurance Coverage for Mental Health Support
With nearly 3 in 5 women (59%) asserting that health insurance companies should always provide full coverage for mental health counseling tailored for pregnancy and postpartum, it is clear that financial barriers pose a significant obstacle for many. Support for comprehensive insurance coverage is even more pronounced among those whose most recent birth was traumatic (81% vs. 58% who did not report trauma). Beyond just the cost, women can face a ‘triple threat’ of barriers: a lack of in-network clinicians, limited access to specialized care, and behavioral health services that are not consistently covered across all insurance types, potentially leaving those most at in need without many options.
Proactive Discussions and Education
Roughly two-thirds of women who’ve been pregnant (65%) expressed a desire for healthcare providers to proactively discuss PPD during prenatal visits. Yet nearly half (46%) report that they did not receive enough or any information/resources on PPD from their providers, emphasizing a systemic oversight that desperately needs addressing. Furthermore, OB patients are significantly more likely than midwife patients to report insufficient information/resources (49% vs. 38%), suggesting a gap in the approach of prenatal care professionals.
Toward a Future of Comprehensive Maternal Care
The findings from the 2026 State of Maternal Health Report reveal urgent areas where education, healthcare practices, and policy must evolve to better support mothers during one of the most critical phases of their lives. As we observe World Maternal Mental Health Day, let’s commit to breaking the silence and stigma surrounding maternal mental health, aiming for a future where every mother receives the understanding and care she deserves. Together, let’s support mothers not just in health but in well-being, advocating for comprehensive care strategies that anticipate and address the specific mental health challenges of maternity.
Survey method
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll April 23-28, 2025 among 4,170 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 2,370 are women, of which 1,597 are/have been pregnant and 1,583 have given birth. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact us.
[1] National Coalition for Infant Health
