Perinatal psychiatry treats mental health problems associated with pregnancy, including anxiety, depression, and postpartum mood disorders. Specialists work with expectant and new mothers to provide screening, diagnosis, and counseling, and to manage medication for those with pre-existing mental illness. The field also aims to address the stigma surrounding perinatal mental health.
Perinatal psychiatry focuses on treating women with mental health problems associated with pregnancy. This can include women who develop anxiety, depression and other problems during pregnancy or after giving birth, along with mothers who suffer from mental illness. Specialists in this field work with expectant mothers and women who have recently given birth to address psychiatric problems. It is also possible to see other mental health professionals, although they may not have specific perinatal training.
Pregnancy can mark some dramatic changes in a woman’s life, and some of these changes stir up intense emotions. Women with no history of mental health problems may develop psychiatric problems during pregnancy. These can be associated with stress, hormones and other pressures that may surround pregnancy, such as worrying about whether a partner will accept the baby. Perinatal psychiatry offers screening and diagnosis along with counseling for patients who develop problems during pregnancy.
Women may also be at risk for postpartum depression or elevated mood after childbirth. Treatment from a mental health professional can help stabilize mood and help new mothers adjust to the baby. Some facilities recommend screening all women admitted to the hospital after childbirth to identify patients at risk of developing problems. Obstetricians and pediatricians may also check in with patients when they show up for checkups to look for warning signs that a new mother might be having problems.
Mentally ill women can also seek out perinatal psychiatry services. Many drugs used to manage mental illness are dangerous in pregnancy or could pose a risk, which may require switching from one drug to another or stopping medication during pregnancy. By working closely with a mental health professional, women can manage side effects and psychiatric problems that may arise. Support options might include psychotherapy, group counseling, and other measures to help women carry successful pregnancies and breastfeed safely.
Experiences of temporary mood disruptions and other problems during pregnancy are extremely common. Perinatal psychiatry professionals educate patients about these issues and work to address the stigma surrounding their field; some women are ashamed to get treatment because they think it makes them look “weak,” for example, while others may be told by friends and family that they don’t need help because they’re going through something normal. Women who are functioning impaired or have concerns about their comfort and safety may benefit from perinatal psychiatry, and sessions are kept confidential so patients do not have to worry about inappropriate disclosures.
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