What is Perinatal Mental Health?

Baby Blues Vs Something more

Photo by Gemma Chua-Tran on Unsplash

Perinatal refers to a broad spectrum of time, ranging from conception to one year after birth.

The term ‘perinatal mental health’ in this context covers a range of conditions that are severe enough to cause distress. Opposed to the relatively insignificant ‘baby blues’, which is very normal and should pass without specialist intervention.

How prevalent is this?

Perinatal mental health affects 1 in 4–5 women, making it the most common complication of pregnancy.

Statistics*

• Around half of the affected women thought the main cause was isolation
• 40% had suffered a traumatic birth
• 22% said they had suicidal thoughts
• 14% considered that a history of mental health problems was the primary cause of their perinatal illness
• Many women are reluctant to discuss the type and depth of their feelings, 30% never tell a health professional
• 28% of mothers with mental health problems admit to having trouble bonding with their child
• 34% of those who admitted they had hidden their feelings said they had done so because they were concerned their baby might be…