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The MMHA Information Centre

Empowering parents, and those around them, with mental health knowledge before, during and after pregnancy

Jump to: Conditions | Signs and symptoms | Causes and risk factors | Treatment and support | Partners, family and friends

What is maternal mental health?

You may have heard the terms "perinatal mental health" and "maternal mental health" used interchangeably. Both refer to mental health during pregnancy and up to two years after giving birth.

The word "peri" comes from Latin and means "around," while "natal" means "birth".

Click or press the symbol on the top right to see all videos in our Mental Health Midwife series.

Key facts

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here is some key information you should know:

  • Perinatal mental health conditions affect as many as 1 in 4 women and birthing people.*
  • Perinatal mental illness can affect you during pregnancy (antenatal) as well afterwards (postnatal).
  • It is more common to experience a maternal mental health problem than other pregnancy-related complications like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia.
  • Perinatal mental health conditions include depression, anxiety, pregnancy and postpartum psychosis, birth trauma (PTSD), eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and tokophobia (fear of pregnancy and birth).
  • Psychosis is a serious medical condition that requires urgent medical attention.
  • Some symptoms that suggest your mental health is under pressure include constant sadness, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty bonding with your baby. Learn about more signs and symptoms of perinatal mental illness.
  • Factors such as hormonal changes, a history of mental illness, your physical health, traumatic birth experiences, and sleep deprivation can contribute to these conditions.
  • Getting professional medical care, talking therapy, self-care strategies, and support from parents who understand (peer support) can help you recover.
  • Seeking help as soon as possible is the best thing you can do for you and your family.

If you have a perinatal mental health condition, remember that it’s not your fault.

Perinatal mental health conditions

Most people are aware of postnatal depression, or PND, but depression can also occur during pregnancy. Other perinatal mental illnesses include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.

These illnesses can range from mild to severe, and require specialist treatment as soon as possible. The most serious perinatal mental health problem is considered to be pregnancy and postpartum psychosis, which should be treated as a medical emergency if suspected.

Learn more about perinatal mental health conditions

Signs and symptoms to look out for

Discover the signs of common perinatal mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety, and lesser-known or less common conditions like postpartum psychosis, OCD, PTSD, tokophobia and eating disorders. You can also download and print our symptom checker for easy reference.

Learn more Download poster

Causes and risk factors

Anyone can experience a perinatal mental health problem, although there are some factors which increase someone's risk of becoming unwell, including:

Read more

What can impact your mental health?

Physical health conditions

Explore the link between physical and mental health during and after pregnancy, and how conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum, pelvic pain, and sleep deprivation can affect your mental wellbeing.

Read more

Fertility challenges

Discover how fertility challenges and assisted conception can impact perinatal mental health. Explore emotional wellbeing before, during, and after pregnancy.

Learn more

Tips for staying well

Mental health and wellbeing tips for women and parents who are pregnant or have recently given birth

Read more

Treatment and support

The good news is maternal mental health problems are treatable. With the right care and support, it's possible to recover and enjoy being a parent.

Help! I think I'm unwell

Guidance if you are worried that you or a loved one has a maternal mental health problem

Read more

Types of treatment

Discover treatment and support options for perinatal mental illness, including therapy, medication, peer support, and specialist care.

Learn more

How to get support

From urgent care and specialist perinatal mental healthcare, to peer support and charity helplines, there's something for everyone

Find help

Partners, family, and friends

Learn how to support a new or expectant parent if you're concerned about their mental health.

Help! I'm worried about someone I know

Find out what to do if you are worried that someone you know is struggling with their mental health during or after pregnancy.

Read more

Deciding whether to grow your family after perinatal mental illness

Both you or your partner might be worried about trying for another baby if you were unwell last time. This is completely understandable, so here are some things for you to consider.

Learn more

Bereavement support

Losing a partner, daughter, sister, or friend to suicide as a result of perinatal mental illness is unimaginably heartbreaking. Here, you’ll find compassionate support, helpful resources, and guidance to help you navigate your grief and other complex emotions that follow such a profound loss.

Get support
Thanks

The Maternal Mental Health Alliance sends heartfelt thanks to the women and clinicians who generously gave their time to review and offer feedback on our information.

A special thank you to Tessa van der Vord, Mental Health Midwife and MMHA ambassador, for taking part in our perinatal mental health film series.

The videos were recorded at 10 Union Street, which is home to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a collection of non-profit organisations dedicated to improving maternity and women's healthcare, including the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.