What is Perinatal Mental Health?

Simply put, perinatal mental health (‘PMH’) refers to a range of mental illnesses which are experienced during and after pregnancy. You may have heard the terms ‘antenatal’ (pre-birth) and ‘postnatal’ (post-birth), ‘perinatal’ (around-birth) covers both.

Officially the 'perinatal period' includes pregnancy, birth and up to 24 months postpartum. However, we know that perinatal mental health problems can also impact people during their conception journey and for several years following birth. At The Parent Gap, we include the conception phase and also consider those who can still be impacted by perinatal mental health problems beyond the initial one to two years postnatally.

The basics

  • At least 1 in 5 women and birthing people will experience a perinatal mental health problem.

    5-10% of fathers will experience postnatal depression and 5-15% will experience postnatal anxiety. The likelihood can increase to 50% where the mother/partner also has a perinatal mental illness.

    Despite it’s prevalence, awareness of perinatal mental illnesses and their signs and symptoms is generally low and (even with progress in the last decade) remains behind the levels of physical health conditions during the perinatal period.

  • Fluctuations in mood are common following birth for many reasons, including the huge hormonal changes during this time. It’s essential to know the difference between the ‘baby blues’ and a perinatal mental illness so that the real issue is not dismissed or downplayed and that help is sought early.

    As a general rule, if low mood or changes in mood, or not feeling yourself continues for more than two weeks, this could be a perinatal mental health problem and should be discussed with a GP, health visitor or midwife. If you are suffering and don’t feel like you can do this alone, please speak to someone you trust who can help advocate for you.

  • Whilst many people have heard of postnatal depression, awareness of the wider range of perinatal mental health problems is low.

    • Depression can be experienced during pregnancy in addition to following birth

    • Like depression, anxiety is also a common perinatal mental health problem and can be experienced during and/or after pregnancy

    • Postpartum Psychosis is a rare but serious illness affecting 1 in 1,000 women and birthing people. It’s very treatable, but should be treated as a medical emergency

    • Birth Trauma and PTSD can be closely linked and are the result of physical and/or emotional distress experienced or witnessed during or after birth

    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be identified by recurring intrusive thoughts, which can lead to repetitive behaviour which can be disruptive to everyday life

    • Eating Disorders can occur or relapse in the perinatal period, as there are many potential triggers during this phase of life

    • Tokophobia is a severe fear of childbirth and can often be experienced alongside antenatal depression or anxiety

  • Whilst research shows that women and birthing people are most likely to experience a perinatal mental health problem (at least 1 in 5), we also know that around 1 in 10 dads and partners will suffer too. No-one is exempt from experiencing poor perinatal mental health.

  • If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, talk to your GP, midwife or health visitor. If you/they are in crisis or having suicidal thoughts and need urgent help, please;

    For more information and guidance on what to do if you or someone you know is unwell, visit the Maternal Mental Health Alliance website.

Raising awareness of perinatal mental health is a vital foundation of The Parent Gap’s certification programmes, in the meantime here are some helpful resources:

You are not alone…

Often, when people are experiencing poor mental health during this time of life, they feel alone in their suffering. Reading the experiences of others and talking about our mental health more openly counteracts these feelings of loneliness and breaks the silence that feeling ashamed can create. The voice of lived experience is powerful in providing hope and reassurance. Visit the ‘Real Life Stories’ section on the Maternal Mental Health website to learn more about the experiences of others who have been unwell and recovered.