Understanding Perinatal Maternal Mental Health

Overview

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Perinatal mental health refers to an individual's mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period (the first year after giving birth). The transition to parenthood is a life changing experience with significant physical and psychological adjustments. Many parents experience mood changes and feel overwhelmed during pregnancy and/or after the birth of their child. When these symptoms do not disappear on their own or get worse and begin to affect a person’s ability to function, they may be experiencing a perinatal mental health disorder.

The first year postpartum is a tough time for parents. Feeling tired and some stress is a normal part of parenthood because becoming a parent is a big adjustment, but some individuals face additional serious challenges. One in five individuals that give birth experience a perinatal mood disorder during their pregnancy and the first year after birth.

Many factors contribute to this: family or personal history of mental health problems, lack/absence of social support, hormonal changes, genes, substance misuse, complications during pregnancy, birth trauma, sexual trauma, racial trauma, etc. Additionally, these issues may be twice as high for people of color or individuals living in poverty.

All people who identify with pregnancy and parenting can be affected by mental health conditions during the perinatal period regardless of gender, sex, or sexual orientation.

There is also evidence that these disorders have negative effects on children. Children of depressed and/or anxious birthing individuals have been found to have difficulty establishing close relationships, and bonds with their caregiver. They may also have trouble separating, may have school problems, poor friend relationships, lower self-esteem, behavior problems and are at-risk of having a mood disorder. However, not all children will have a negative effect from their caregiver’s perinatal mood disorder. Each child is different and how they react will be based on their genetic make-up as well as by their environment.

Seeking support

Many individuals feel that there are barriers to getting help. Stigma may prevent someone from recognizing symptoms or seeking help. Those who recognize it may feel ashamed and have concerns that they will be seen as incompetent parents.

Only a trained healthcare or mental health professional can tell you whether you have a perinatal mood disorder. You can contact your OB/GYN doctor or a mental health professional for help. There are also many online resources and online groups that can help. With the right support and treatment, you can get better.