Condition
Prenatal and Postnatal
Perinatal psychiatric disorders are mental health conditions that occur during pregnancy (prenatal) or in the first year after childbirth (postpartum). These are common, affecting up to 1 in 5 women, and are among the most frequent complications of childbirth.
The conditions covered
- ·Prenatal depression
- ·Prenatal anxiety
- ·Postpartum depression
- ·Postpartum anxiety
- ·Postpartum psychosis
More than 'baby blues'
While many new mothers experience the temporary baby blues (mild mood swings, tearfulness) for a week or two after birth, perinatal disorders are more severe and last longer, making it hard to cope with daily life.
Perinatal depression involves persistent feelings of extreme sadness, guilt, hopelessness, lack of interest in the baby, changes in sleep or appetite, and fatigue. It can occur during or after delivery — usually 1-2 weeks after delivery up to 6 months later.
Perinatal anxiety involves excessive worry, nervousness, racing thoughts, a constant feeling that something bad is going to happen, and sometimes panic attacks.
Postpartum psychosis is a rare yet severe psychiatric disorder that begins within the first four weeks after delivery and involves symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, agitation, and disorganised thoughts. This is a psychiatric emergency.
Treatment works
These conditions are treatable with professional help — often involving therapy (CBT), medication that can be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and strong social support.
Untreated disorders can affect the wellbeing of the mother, the baby's development, and the family. If symptoms are severe, last longer than two weeks, or include thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby, this is a medical emergency and immediate professional help should be sought.
How we treat this at IASO
Treatment begins with a thorough psychiatric assessment to understand the full picture — your history, your symptoms, and what you actually need. From there we build a plan around you: evidence-based, paced sensibly, and revisited as you progress.
Care may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination — chosen and adjusted based on what works for you. Everything is discussed openly, and nothing is prescribed without a clear clinical reason.