Perinatal mental health
Perinatal mental health
Perinatal refers to the time from pregnancy to a year after childbirth.
Postnatal, or postpartum, refers to the first year after birth.
Some women may be at risk of becoming unwell during pregnancy or after giving birth example , there is a higher risk if they felt stressed during the pregnancy or had mental health problems in the past.
One in five Australian women will have some sort of mental health issue during the perinatal period.
It is normal for women who have given birth to feel “not themselves” while adjusting to the changes a new baby brings. Example tiredness, not confident in parenting skills.
The baby blues usually occurs between three to 10 days after the baby’s birth, due to hormonal changes, lack of sleep and other factors.
Symptoms of the baby blues
feeling weepy or crying over seemingly minor things
having mood swings or being especially irritable
feeling unattached or unbonded to your baby
missing parts of your old life, like the freedom to go out with friends
worrying or feeling anxious about your baby’s health and safety
feeling restless or experiencing insomnia, even though you’re exhausted
having trouble making easy decisions or thinking clearly
Symptoms disappear within a few days without the need for treatment other than rest and support.
If these symptoms last longer than two weeks after birth, they may be sign of an emerging mental health condition.
Postnatal Depression or Postpartum Depression
Depression affects up to 10 per cent of women during pregnancy, and up to 16 per cent after the birth up to the first year.
Around 10 per cent of fathers are affected by depression, and up to 20 per cent for anxiety (NSW Health 2020).
Symptoms of perinatal depression
depressed mood or irritability.
diminished interest or enjoyment in activities.
significant weight or appetite change.
sleeping problems.
fatigue, tiredness.
feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
inability to think clearly or concentrate.
recurrent thoughts of death or suicide or both.
Anxiety disorders during the perinatal period include:
generalised anxiety disorder.
obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
panic disorder and,
social phobia.
Perinatal anxiety occurs in up to 20 per cent of women. It is common to have both anxiety and depression at the same time.
Symptoms of perinatal anxiety
feeling restless, keyed up, on edge, panicky.
worried about things not in your control.
easily fatigued.
difficulty concentrating.
irritability.
fearful.
muscle tension.
sleep disturbance.
panic attacks.
avoidance behaviours, for example, towards baby or social interactions.
Postnatal or Postpartum psychosis
Postnatal psychosis, also known as puerperal or postpartum psychosis, is an illness that can put both mother and baby at risk. It can
occur after childbirth and requires urgent psychiatric care
be related to an underlying mental health disorder, for example bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
People with bipolar disorder or a prior postnatal psychosis have a very high risk of postnatal psychosis.
The onset of symptoms is sudden and can include:
delusional beliefs
disorganised thinking and confusion
rapid mood changes or irritability
hallucinations.
Caring for your partner with a Perinatal illness
You can help support your partner by:
helping the mental health care professional get a fuller picture of their wellbeing and situation.
taking part in their therapeutic programs or care plans.
coming to any meetings or help out if they are staying in a mother-baby mental health unit.
asking if they would like you to come along to any appointments..
