Signs and symptoms of perinatal mental health conditions

Discover the signs and symptoms 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.

There are some signs which suggest your mental health during or after pregnancy might be under pressure.

You may have noticed:

• Sudden, big, or constant changes in your mood or emotions

• Thoughts or images about harming yourself or harm coming to your baby (intrusive thoughts)

• Feeling overwhelmed by guilt, shame, or hopelessness

• Struggling to bond with your baby or feeling detached from them

• Finding it impossible to sleep or relax, even when your baby is sleeping

• Thinking that you’re not a good parent or your baby is better off without you

• Seeing, hearing, or believing things that others don’t

• Frequent worry or fear about food or your body image

These symptoms cover a range of perinatal mental health conditions, some of which are more common than others.

If you experience any of the symptoms above, or something else that doesn’t feel right for you, speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor without delay.

Remember

You know what’s normal for you. If you don’t feel right, speak to someone without delay. Don’t dismiss it as “baby blues”.

At least 1 in 5 will experience mental health problems around pregnancy. You are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.