October 19, 2026
Pregnancy’s emotional toll underscores need to support women’s mental health
Save the Storks says emotional care, practical resources and stronger community support can help women facing unexpected pregnancies
PLANO, Texas — Pregnancy can bring profound emotional changes, and an unexpected pregnancy can add fear, anxiety and uncertainty for women facing financial pressure, limited support or difficult circumstances. Save the Storks, a pro-life nonprofit serving women across America, says supporting women’s mental health should be an essential part of pregnancy and postpartum care.
The American Pregnancy Association identifies changing emotions as one of the most common pregnancy side effects for many women. Research available through the National Library of Medicine notes that depression and anxiety are the most widely recognized mental health concerns during pregnancy.
In addition, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health says maternal mental health disorders, including postpartum depression, are the leading complication of childbirth and affect 20% of U.S. women. The center also reports that between 2016 and 2023, mothers reporting “fair to poor mental health” increased nearly 65%.
Save the Storks says those findings reinforce the need for emotional support alongside medical care. The national nonprofit works with pregnancy health clinics, Mobile Medical Clinics and digital resources to connect women with medical services, accurate information and practical support.
“A woman facing an unexpected pregnancy may be carrying questions about her health, finances, relationships and future all at once,” said Diane Ferraro, CEO of Save the Storks. “Her emotional well-being matters just as much as the practical questions in front of her. Compassionate support can help her feel heard, respected and better equipped to consider her next steps.”
The organization also encourages communities to give mothers room to discuss emotional struggles without shame or dismissal. Save the Storks has said cultural expectations can leave mothers feeling pressure to appear consistently happy even when they are struggling during pregnancy or after childbirth.
“Women should not have to pretend everything is fine when they are overwhelmed, frightened or uncertain,” Ferraro said. “Families, friends and communities can reduce isolation by listening, helping with practical needs and connecting women with medical care and trusted resources.”
Save the Storks also shares stories of hope and empowerment through its Life Society, highlighting women and families who have navigated unexpected pregnancies with support. Its programs are designed to help women find care and practical assistance without leaving them to navigate pregnancy-related challenges alone.
Ferraro is available to discuss women’s mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period, why emotional support belongs alongside medical care, and how communities can help reduce isolation for women facing unexpected pregnancies.
Save the Storks exists to ensure that no woman facing an unplanned pregnancy ever feels alone. Save the Storks is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering women with compassionate care, accurate information, and practical support so they can make informed, life-affirming decisions. Through partnerships with pregnancy health clinics, a growing network of Mobile Medical Clinics delivering women’s healthcare directly to communities in need, and a digital platform providing always-on access to real care and real options, Save the Storks creates a story of hope for women and families across the nation.
Learn more about Save the Storks at www.savethestorks.org.
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To interview a representative from Save the Storks, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, or Linda Klosterman, LKlosterman@hamiltonstrategies.com.
