Perinatal Mental Health: Helping Women Cope with Pregnancy and Baby's Arrival

The period leading up to and immediately following the birth of a child can be a stressful and exciting time. The range of emotions that women experience can run the spectrum from exhaustion and self-doubt to an adrenaline rush and euphoria. As a mother of two young children, I remember the mood swings and ups and downs of the perinatal period. While some are common and easily managed, some occurrences during the perinatal period can have an impact on overall mental health, and should be carefully managed.

Mood Swings and Irrational Behavior
It isn't uncommon, especially during the end of a pregnancy, to experience mood swings. This was one of my major problems during my second pregnancy. One minute I was completely happy, the next I was irritated that the floor was too messy and I was going to have to scrub it. Recognizing mood swings and irrational behavior during the perinatal period is important both for the mom-to-be and her family and friends. Often, it can be necessary to appease her, rather than upset her more than she already is. Pointing out to a slightly irrational woman that the floor doesn't have to be cleaned right this minute might backfire. Just ask my husband. The point is, mood swings and irrational behavior do happen to women during the perinatal period. It's just important to watch, to be careful that these things don't get out of control and turn into other perinatal mental health problems.

Depression
Some women experience depression during the perinatal period, either before the birth of the child, or as postpartum depression. Perinatal mental health can be fragile, and it's important to closely monitor any signs of depression and discuss feelings and emotions regularly with your midwife or doctor. Catching problems early on can allow for quick and effective treatment options before the problem is out of hand.