Menu Close

perinatal and postnatal mental health

perinatal and postnatal mental health

being pregnant and having a child can affect your mental health in many ways
album-art
00:00

 

Being pregnant is a big life change. While it’s exciting to welcome a new child into your family, the whirlwind of emotions that comes with it can feel overwhelming. That’s normal. However, it’s important to know when those feelings start to affect your mental health.

In Scotland, 1 in 5 women face mental health challenges during pregnancy and up to a year after giving birth. Pregnant women are more at risk of depression and around 20% of women experience anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions while expecting. Unfortunately, these issues are often not diagnosed or treated. Understanding how new mothers and fathers might be feeling and what support they need is crucial.

defining terms

  • Preconception: This is the period before conception, so the time when a person is planning or preparing to become pregnant. 
  • Perinatal: When a mother gets pregnant up to a year after giving birth.  
  • Prenatal (or antenatal): Occurs during pregnancy, from conception until birth. 
  • Postnatal (or postpartum): The period after childbirth or until your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state. It is usually the first six to eight weeks after delivery.

 

Common myths 

it’s not normal to experience poor mental health during pregnancy

Some people think that mothers only feel sad or stressed after the baby is born, but that’s not true. Mothers can feel this way during pregnancy too. It’s important to take care of mothers’ feelings before and after the baby comes.

only mums can experience mental health issues

Fathers and other family members can experience mental health issues too. It’s important to help everyone who is taking care of the baby feel better if they’re sad or stressed.

Negative emotions are caused by poor bonding with the baby

Having a baby can be a joyful experience, but it’s okay to feel negative emotions. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your baby. We all experience things differently and people going through pregnancy just need extra support and care during this special time.

mental health during the perinatal period 

The perinatal period can have a big impact on your mental health. If you’ve had mental health challenges in the past or currently live with a mental health condition, this time can feel especially overwhelming.

Changes in hormones, financial worries, sleep patterns and daily stress can affect how you feel both during pregnancy and after giving birth. But you’re not alone: many parents experience emotional ups and downs during this time. Below are some key statistics that show how common these experiences are for many mothers:

  • 38% of women receive a diagnosis of depression during pregnancy
  • As many as 49% of women report feelings of anxiety after childbirth
  • Around 80% of new mothers experience the baby blues – a short-lived period (usually up to 10 days) of mood swings, tearfulness, irritability and sleep disturbances
  • 84% of women experience some form of perinatal stress, highlighting just how common emotional strain can be during this time.

Studies also indicate that single mothers, young mothers and women from global majorities may be especially vulnerable to these challenges.

“It’s so easy to get swept up in a whirlwind of negative emotions, worrying about making the right choices for you and your baby. You worry about all the ‘what ifs’ relating to pregnancy, birth and beyond, and trying to do everything the ‘right’ way.

“If you find yourself in a negative cycle, take a breather. You are going through so much emotionally, physically, and hormonally.  It’s so important to recognise that you’re doing your best and that is enough.”

– Mirren Wallace, Community Fundraising and Events Manager, reflects on the importance of seeking support during pregnancy when things feel overwhelming. 

mental health conditions connected to the perinatal period

It’s completely normal to feel anxious, tired, lonely or emotional after having a baby. But if these feelings persist, intensify or affect your ability to cope, it could be a sign that you may need extra support.

Some of the mental health conditions that can occur during or after pregnancy include:

  • Postpartum depression: This includes persistent low mood, loss of interest, feelings of guilt, problems with sleeping and difficulty bonding with your baby. It can affect up to 15% of new mothers.
  • Perinatal anxiety: Symptoms can be ongoing worry, panic attacks or physical symptoms like headaches, irregular heartrate or sweating.  
  • Perinatal eating disorders or BDD: Issues with food, body image or exercise may be triggered during this time, which can lead to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
  • Postpartum psychosis: A condition involving psychosis that might involve hallucinations, delusions and suicidal thoughts, usually requiring urgent support. 
  • Birth trauma or PTSD: Emotional distress resulting from a difficult or frightening birth experience can lead trauma or even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

 fathers’ mental health 

Perinatal mental health is not limited to women; fatherhood can also impact mental health. In fact, 1 in 10 new fathers develop postpartum depression. This is often related to factors such as an intense work-life, adjusting to home-life pressures and changes in relationship dynamics.

Fathers also report feeling like pregnancy is a physical experience unique to their partners, making them feel left out and secondary to the process. This can make fathers feel as though they need to deal with their mental health concerns alone, so that they can be strong for their partners. However, this pattern isn’t unique to fathers. Men, in general, are less likely to seek help when they’re facing poor mental health. This can be due to common masculine stereotypes or because they don’t see their struggles as serious enough to need support.

how can I take care of myself? 

When you’re pregnant or have just had a baby, it’s important to take care of yourself. Here are some things you can do: 

Talk to professionals: Talk to your doctor and midwife about your feelings and worries to get the support you need. That might mean adjusting your treatment or getting extra help. It’s important to take care of yourself for both you and your baby. You can read more about it on Tommy’s website, the pregnancy and baby charity in the UK. 

Rest: Being pregnant or looking after a new baby can be really tiring, so make sure you get plenty of rest when you can. 

Eat well: Eating healthy food is important for you and your baby. Try to eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Do not drink any alcohol or eat any raw food when pregnant, as this might hurt the baby. 

Exercise: Gentle exercise, like walking or swimming, can help you feel better and stay healthy during pregnancy and after having a baby. Make sure not to do strenuous exercise, as it might harm the baby and your body will be delicate after childbirth. 

Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Whether it’s help with chores, looking after the baby or just someone to talk to, there are people who can help you. There is a list of organisations who can help you at the bottom of this page. 

Take time for yourself: It’s important to take some time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Try to do something you enjoy, like reading a book or taking a bath, and continue to engage in the hobbies or self-care activities that bring you joy. 

how can I help others? 

If someone you know is pregnant or has just had a baby, there are many ways you can support and help them: 

1. Offer practical help

Offer to help with chores, cooking meals, provide transportation to appointments or look after older children so the new parent can rest. The smallest things can make the biggest difference.

2. Listen

Sometimes, someone just needs listened to. Let them know you’re there for them if they want to talk.  

3. Be understanding

Understand that being pregnant or having a new baby can be overwhelming. Be patient and offer your support without judgement. 

4. Respect their decisions

Understand their choices about parenting and any decisions they make regarding their pregnancy or baby. 

support

Our National Advice and Support Service can help you and people you care for with mental health concerns and money worries.

We can link and signpost you to relevant local and national support, including our own Change Mental Health services, as well as supporting with debt, grants and benefits.

The service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Contact 0808 8010 515, email advice@changemh.org or fill in the form on the service webpage.

For full details about the service, visit the National Advice and Support Service webpage.

other support