Support for the emotional changes that can accompany pregnancy and early parenting

The perinatal period is the time between conception and one year after birth. While both women and men find some challenges in adjusting to the changes during this time, for approximately 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men they will experience symptoms of depression and anxiety during the antenatal and/or postnatal period or both (perinatal).

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Some of the most common concerns are;

• Apprehension about being pregnant and giving birth – These concerns are common and can be related to health of the mother or the unborn baby. They can also be related to the physical changes that occur to a woman’s body during pregnancy. Some women experience apprehension and anxiety about the pain associated with childbirth and the process of birthing, particularly where a traumatic or painful birth has occurred in the past.

• Timing of pregnancy – Some common factors that influence timing a pregnancy include; age, partners age, finances, living arrangements, health, mental health (including previous experience of perinatal mental health), career & employment, study, child care, proximity of current pregnancy to previous pregnancy, reproductive story, family/community support, and desire.

• Uncertainty about being a parent – Deciding to become a parent is a major life transition requiring deep honest reflection on motivation, stability, emotional readiness, and support systems. Some people might not have had much exposure to young children or may not have had positive parenting models to base their own parenting behaviours. Most people receive no formal training in parenting techniques and often individuals do not want to repeat the parenting models they experienced themselves as a child. Commitment to parenthood requires a long-term investment in a family structure, whether couples stay together or not.

• Fertility challenges – The journey to parenthood when facing fertility issues is often experienced alongside fluctuations in mood, hopefulness, pressure, physical challenges, and emotional wellbeing.

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The signs and symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression can vary and may include:

• Panic attacks (racing heart, shortness of breath, shaking or feeling physically ‘detached’ from your surroundings)
• Persistent generalised worry, often focused on fears for the health or wellbeing of the baby
• The development of obsessive or compulsive behaviours
• Abrupt mood swings
• Feeling constantly sad, low, or crying for no obvious reason
• Being nervous, ‘on edge’, or panicky
• Feeling constantly tiered or lacking energy
• Having little or no interest in all the normal things that bring joy (like time with friends, exercise, eating,or sharing partner time)
• Sleeping too much or not sleeping very well at all
• Losing interest in sex or intimacy
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Being easily annoyed or irritated
• Finding it difficult to focus, concentrate or remember (people with depression often describe this as a ‘brain fog’)
• Engaging in more risk taking behaviour (e.g., alcohol or drug use)
• Having thoughts of death or suicide
• Having thoughts of hurting your baby or children

If you are concerned about what you or your partner are experiencing, discuss your concern with your GP. While new parents with babies often visit their GP for the baby’s sake, it is important to build a relationship with a GP for parent’s sake too. If necessary, GP’s can refer individuals to see a psychologist for support during this time. Psychologist Beth Reid has undergone additional training to work with individuals experiencing mental health concerns during the perinatal period.