Understanding Perinatal Mental Health: Caring for Parents Before and After Birth
By Anne Lee
Becoming a parent can be one of the most meaningful transitions in a person’s life, but it can also be one of the most challenging. Across Australia, many expectant and new parents experience changes in their emotional wellbeing that often go unnoticed or unspoken. As a psychologist, I see firsthand how important it is to understand, normalise, and support perinatal mental health, that is, the emotional wellbeing of parents during pregnancy and in the year following birth.
Perinatal mental health is not just about avoiding illness. It is about promoting resilience, connection, and confidence as families grow.
What Is Perinatal Mental Health?
The term perinatal refers to the period from conception through pregnancy and up to twelve (12) months after birth. During this time, parents experience significant physical, emotional, hormonal, and social changes. While many people associate emotional shifts with “baby blues,” perinatal mental health covers a much broader spectrum, including:
Perinatal anxiety
Perinatal depression
Birth trauma (psychological and physical)
Post-traumatic stress following childbirth
Adjustment difficulties
Intrusive thoughts or worries
Grief and loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or fertility challenges
These experiences are far more common than many realise, and they can affect mothers, fathers, partners, surrogate parents, and non-birthing parents.
How Common Is It in Australia?
In Australia:
Up to 1 in 5 women experience anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the year after birth.
Around 1 in 10 men or non-birthing partners also experience perinatal mental health challenges.
Birthing trauma affects a significant number of new parents, even when birth appears medically “normal.”
These statistics highlight that emotional difficulties during this period are not a sign of failure, rather they are a sign of being human.
Why Does This Happen?
The perinatal period involves a unique combination of pressures:
Hormonal changes
Hormones shift dramatically during pregnancy and postpartum, affecting mood, energy, and emotional regulation.
Sleep deprivation
Interrupted sleep impacts concentration, emotional stability, and stress tolerance.
Identity shifts
Becoming a parent can bring joy, but also a profound change in identity, roles, and relationships.
Expectations and pressure
Many new parents feel driven to “get it right” immediately, comparing themselves with others or internalising unrealistic social standards.
Past experiences
History of trauma, loss, or mental health challenges can resurface or intensify during pregnancy or early parenthood.
Social and cultural factors
Distance from family, cultural expectations, financial stress, or lack of community support can heighten vulnerability.
Signs That Someone May Need Support
Perinatal mental health challenges can be subtle. Some signs include:
Persistent feelings of sadness, overwhelm, or panic
Uncontrollable worry or fear
Irritability, anger, or emotional numbness
Changes in appetite or sleep unrelated to the baby
Feeling disconnected from the baby
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of harming oneself
A sense of being “not myself”
If you or someone you care about is experiencing these symptoms, reaching out for support early can make a significant difference.
How Psychology Can Help
Psychological support in the perinatal period is gentle, collaborative, and tailored. Therapy may focus on:
Understanding emotional changes and reducing self-criticism
Supporting attachment and bonding
Processing birth trauma or grief
Strengthening coping skills
Managing intrusive thoughts or anxiety
Supporting relationship communication
Navigating the transition into parenthood
Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, and mindfulness practices are often helpful.
Building a Supportive Network
No parent is meant to do this alone. Perinatal wellbeing is greatly improved when parents have access to supportive networks including partners, family, friends, community services, perinatal psychologists, GPs, midwives, and organisations such as:
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
Beyond Blue
Local maternal and child health services
Reaching out is a strength, not a sign of weakness.
Final Thoughts
The perinatal period is a profound life transition filled with complexity, beauty, and vulnerability. Emotional changes during this time are common, understandable, and treatable. If you are finding things difficult, you are not alone, and support is available.
If you’d like guidance, assessment, or a safe space to talk, I’m here to help.