Perinatal Psychiatry
What is Perintal psychiatry?
Perinatal psychiatry is a specialised area of psychiatry that focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Perinatal psychiatry endorses a holistic approach to treatment, considering the unique needs and experiences of pregnant and postpartum individuals, such as the potential impact of hormonal changes and the challenge of adjusting to parenthood.
Perinatal psychiatry is an important field of psychiatry, as maternal mental health has significant implications for the health and wellbeing of both mothers and their children. Addressing mental health concerns during the perinatal period, significantly improves outcomes for mothers, infants, and families as a whole.
Critical periods for treatment
Perinatal psychiatrists work to ensure the mental health and wellbeing of individuals during the critical periods of preconception and planning, pregnancy, and postpartum:
- Preconception and Planning: Perinatal psychiatrists may work with individuals and couples who are planning a pregnancy to identify and address any mental health concerns before conception. This may include a thorough assessment of a person’s mental health history and current symptoms, as well as recommendations for medication management and lifestyle changes to improve mental health outcomes for both the parent and child.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, perinatal psychiatrists provide ongoing support and monitoring to help prevent or manage mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Treatment options may include therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes to support mental health and wellbeing during this time.
- Postpartum: In the first year after giving birth, perinatal psychiatrists play a crucial role in identifying and treating mental health conditions such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Treatment options may include therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes, as well as referrals to additional support services such as lactation consultants and infant mental health specialists.
By providing support and treatment during these periods, perinatal psychiatrists can improve outcomes for both parents and children, and help families thrive.
mental health conditions we treat
Perinatal psychiatrists provide specialised care for range of mental health conditions that can occur or persist during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The focus is on ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of both the parents and children.
- Baby blues is a common and mild mood disturbance that can occur in the first few days after giving birth. Symptoms may include mood swings, anxiety, crying, and difficulty sleeping. The symptoms usually resolve within a week or two without treatment. It is important to note that baby blues is different from postpartum depression, which is a more severe and long-lasting form of depression that requires treatment.
- Depression is a common mental health condition during pregnancy and the postpartum period (postnatal depression or PND). Symptoms may include sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
- Anxiety is another common mental health condition during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Symptoms may include excessive worry or fear, panic attacks, and physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or shortness of breath. Anxiety may focus on the pregnancy and the infant for example a mother may be obsessively concerned about their baby’s sleep patterns or feeding habits.
- Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Symptoms may include episodes of mania (elevated mood, high energy, and impulsivity) and depression.
- Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health condition that can occur in the first few weeks after giving birth. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions). OCD can occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD can occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period, particularly in individuals who have experienced abuse during pregnancy, pregnancy and childbirth complications.
