Becoming a parent is a transformative experience that can be overwhelming at times. While bringing new life into the world is certainly a time for joy, it can also bring forth a complex and confusing array of emotions during this unique experience. Perinatal mental health disorders, which encompass various conditions developed both during pregnancy and in the postpartum (or post-birth) period, are far more common than many people realize [1].
The journey to parenthood, as seen through the lens of physical changes, hormonal fluctuations, and the weight of new responsibilities, can trigger psychological challenges that impact a new parent’s (and the child’s) overall well-being.
Expectant parents often experience a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from excitement and anticipation to fear and self-doubt. Throughout this emotional turbulence, perinatal mental health conditions can manifest in various forms, with conditions impacting everything from your overall functioning to the dynamics within the larger family unit.
Take the first step toward healing with compassionate postpartum depression treatment near you
What causes perinatal mental health disorders?
Perinatal mental health disorders, like other mental health conditions, are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors [2].
Some common factors that can contribute to perinatal disorders include:
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, during pregnancy and the postpartum period can affect brain chemistry and mood regulation.
- Genetic predisposition: Those with a family history of mental health disorders, including perinatal disorders in particular, may be at a higher risk.
- Biochemical factors: Imbalances in neurotransmitters (the chemical messengers in the brain), such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are believed to play a role in the development of perinatal disorders.
- Psychological factors: Stressful life events, a history of trauma, or difficult life circumstances can contribute to the onset of perinatal mental health concerns, particularly if someone lacks adequate coping mechanisms or feels overwhelmed by their circumstances.
- A lack of social support: Limited support from partners, family, or friends can increase the risk of developing perinatal disorders. Social isolation and lack of emotional assistance can worsen previous or already present feelings of depression and anxiety.
- Medical complications: Any complications experienced during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the health of the baby can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
- Sleep deprivation: Disrupted sleep patterns, common during pregnancy and after childbirth, can contribute to mood disturbances and magnify existing mental health conditions.
What may trigger a perinatal mental health disorder in one person may not affect someone else in the same way, as these factors often interact in complex ways. Early recognition, support, and appropriate treatment are essential in managing perinatal mental health disorders effectively.
Related: What Causes Mental Illness?
What kinds of perinatal mental health conditions exist?
There are several different kinds of perinatal-based disorders. They include:
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, or PMADs, are an umbrella term encompassing a range of mental health conditions experienced by mothers both during pregnancy and after childbirth. These conditions can impact a parent’s ability to care for themselves and their newborns.
Related: What are Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)?
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common perinatal mood disorders, but it is different from the temporary “baby blues.” While many new parents experience mild mood changes after giving birth, postpartum depression involves persistent sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty bonding with the baby that can last for weeks or months [9].
Caused by a mix of hormonal, emotional, and situational factors, PPD can affect anyone, regardless of background or prior mental health history.
Related: What is Depression and How Can I Get Help?
Prenatal depression
Prenatal depression, also called antenatal depression, refers to significant depressive symptoms that occur during pregnancy rather than after birth. It can involve persistent sadness, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating. Some expectant parents may also experience feelings of guilt or anxiety about their ability to care for their baby [10].
Like postpartum depression, prenatal depression often develops from a combination of hormonal, biological, and emotional factors. Stressful life events, limited social support, or a personal or family history of depression can all increase vulnerability.
Perinatal anxiety
This condition involves experiencing anxiety symptoms such as excessive worry, fear, and apprehension. Women with postpartum anxiety often experience racing thoughts, restlessness, and physical symptoms like dizziness and nausea.
Related: What is Anxiety?
Perinatal bipolar disorder
Up to 20% of women who screen positive for depression in the perinatal period may, in fact, have bipolar disorder [3]. Experiencing clinical depression may also include periods of manic or hypomanic activity, which are distinct periods of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, often accompanied by increased energy, decreased need for sleep, impulsivity, and heightened self-esteem.
Related: What is Bipolar Disorder?
Postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a relatively rare but severe mental health condition that can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and extreme mood swings after giving birth [4]. It requires immediate medical attention and often involves inpatient treatment to ensure the safety of both the parent and the child.
Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Postpartum OCD is characterized by intrusive and unwanted thoughts or mental images, often involving harm to the newborn baby [11]. Such thoughts can be distressing and frightening, along with causing the person to feel shame around their experience.
Related: What is OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)?
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, related to birth trauma or complications can arise from distressing childbirth experiences [12]. As with PTSD not associated with childbirth, flashbacks, nightmares, and potentially debilitating anxiety are some of the common symptoms. Timely recognition and suitable intervention are vital for individuals to process these traumatic events effectively.
Related: What is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)?
The ‘baby blues’
The ‘baby blues’ are a very common experience for new parents, characterized by mild mood swings, bouts of crying, and feelings of sadness or being overwhelmed [5]. Unlike many of the other perinatal conditions, this temporary and common sadness typically resolves on its own within a couple of weeks after childbirth.
Grief and loss
The loss of a child during pregnancy or after birth is a profound and heartbreaking experience. Grieving parents require compassionate support from their families and from professionals to navigate their emotions and seek ways to heal.
Related: Types of Grief
How common are perinatal disorders?
According to a systematic review conducted in 2012, perinatal disorders were experienced by 15.6% of women before their babies were born and by 19.8% of women postpartum across the world [6].
A landmark British study published in 2018 found that women were around 22 times more likely to have a psychiatric admission in the month following birth than in the pre‐pregnancy period. There is an increased risk for women both with and without prior psychiatric illness, but more so among women who have experienced a pre‐existing mood disorder, such as depression [7].
Can men experience perinatal disorders?
While these conditions are often associated with women due to the hormonal and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, expectant and new fathers can also experience mental health problems and face significant emotional challenges as well.
Research has shown that the risk of depression in men increases during the perinatal period, with new fathers experiencing similar symptoms to those seen in postpartum depression in women, which can include mental health symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, irritability, and a sense of inadequacy [8].
Related: Postpartum Depression in Men
What are my treatment options?
Perinatal mental health disorders are treatable, and various approaches can be used to help you with these conditions. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the disorder, your preferences, and the recommendations of mental health professionals.
Inpatient care may be required for debilitating episodes of psychosis or depression, whereas milder cases of depression or anxiety may be more suitable for telehealth services and outpatient talk therapy. Intensive outpatient care may be considered for more severe instances of depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.
At Clear Behavioral Health, we recognize the value and importance of integrating mental health care for expectant families. While not all new parents will need professional support, it can be helpful to understand the risk factors, symptoms, and available resources.
Prioritize your well-being with specialized maternal mental health treatment today
Help and support
If you or a loved one is dealing with perinatal mental health conditions, reaching out to mental health providers is a great step to take. We are in-network with most major insurance providers and offer several levels of care to ensure that your mental health treatment is tailored to your unique needs.
From virtual IOP to inpatient and outpatient mental health programs in the Los Angeles, CA area, we’re dedicated to delivering the very best evidence-based practices to help you heal and reach your fullest potential.
References
- Perinatal mental health. (n.d.). ACOG. https://www.acog.org/programs/perinatal-mental-health
- O’Hara, M. W., & Wisner, K. L. (2013). Perinatal mental illness: Definition, description and aetiology. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 28(1), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2013.09.002
- Bhat, A., Cerimele, J. M., & Byatt, N. (2018). Pregnant and postpartum women with bipolar Disorder: Taking the care to where they are. Psychiatric Services, 69(12), 1207–1209. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201800133
- Doyle, M., Carballedo, A., & O’Keane, V. (2015). Perinatal depression and psychosis: an update. BJPsych Advances, 21(1), 5–14. https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.bp.112.010900
- Baby blues and postpartum depression: mood disorders and pregnancy. (2025, June 16). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/postpartum-mood-disorders-what-new-moms-need-to-know
- Fisher, J., De Mello, M. C., Patel, V., Rahman, A., Tran, T., Holton, S., & Holmes, W. (2011). Prevalence and determinants of common perinatal mental disorders in women in low- and lower-middle-income countries: a systematic review. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 90(2), 139-149H. https://doi.org/10.2471/blt.11.091850
- Kendell, R. E., Chalmers, J. C., & Platz, C. (1987). Epidemiology of Puerperal Psychoses. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 150(5), 662–673. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.150.5.662
- Chhabra, J., Li, W., & McDermott, B. (2022). Predictive factors for depression and anxiety in men during the perinatal Period: A Mixed Methods study. American Journal of Men S Health, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883221079489
- Symptoms of depression among women. (2024, May 15). Reproductive Health. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/depression/index.html
- Depression during pregnancy. (n.d.). ACOG. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/depression-during-pregnancy
- Understanding postpartum OCD and the Mother/Baby attachment. (n.d.). https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/unexpected-ocd-postpartum
- Ahsan, A., Nadeem, A., Habib, A., Basaria, A. a. A., Tariq, R., & Raufi, N. (2023). Post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth: a neglected cause. Frontiers in Global Women S Health, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2023.1273519