What Are Perinatal Issues?
Emotional, psychological, and mental health challenges that occur during pregnancy (antenatal period) and up to one year after birth (postnatal period). These experiences can affect mothers, fathers, and non-birthing partners.
Common Perinatal Mental Health Conditions:
- Perinatal Anxiety: Excessive worry, panic attacks, or constant fear about the baby's health or parenting
- Perinatal Depression: Persistent sadness, fatigue, disconnection, or feelings of hopelessness
- Postpartum Psychosis (less common but serious): Confusion, hallucinations, delusions, and mood disturbances
- Birth Trauma: Psychological distress following a difficult or traumatic birth experience
- Perinatal OCD: Intrusive thoughts and compulsions related to the baby’s safety or care
- Adjustment Difficulties: Emotional strain while transitioning into parenthood
Contributing Factors:
- Hormonal and physiological changes
- Sleep deprivation and physical recovery after birth
- Traumatic birth or fertility struggles
- History of mental health issues
- Lack of support from partner, family, or community
- Pressure to meet societal expectations of parenthood
Emotional and Psychological Impact:
- Difficulty bonding with the bab
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy
- Strained partner or family relationships
- Isolation, fear of judgment, or reluctance to seek help
- Impact on self-identity and confidence as a parent
