Perinatal
(Pregnancy & Newborn)

‘Perinatal’ means the period covering pregnancy and up to roughly a year after giving birth. Around one in five women will experience a perinatal mental health problem. This might be a new mental health problem, or it might be one which a woman has experienced before but which has continued or come back during the perinatal period. Some people use the term ‘maternal’ to describe mental health problems that affect mothers specifically.

All pregnant women have physical checks at antenatal appointments and some mental health checks. They could be conversations about how you’re feeling or a questionnaire. If it looks like you need extra support, you may be offered appointments more often or care from a specialist team.

It’s important for you and your baby that you seek help if needed and the sooner you get help the sooner you’ll start to feel like yourself again. Speak to your GP, midwife, health visitor or family.