Perinatal and Postnatal Mental Health

Perinatal and Postnatal mental health disorders can affect people of any race, age, income level, or culture during pregnancy and up to 12 months after childbirth.

Perinatal Depression: Can occur during pregnancy (prenatal depression) or after childbirth (postpartum depression). Symptoms include extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that can make it difficult to care for yourself or others. Postpartum depression can be mistaken for baby blues, but symptoms are more intense and last longer.

• Postpartum Depression (PPD)Can start during pregnancy or up to a year after birth, and can include symptoms like sadness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Other symptoms include loss of interest in activities, hopelessness, and thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
• Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)Can include extreme worries and fears, often about the baby's health and safety.