Depression and anxiety can happen at any time – but we know women are more likely to experience these conditions during pregnancy and the year following the birth of a baby (also known as the perinatal period).
Pregnancy and adjusting to a new baby is rewarding, but it can also bring significant changes and challenges. While some days will be better than others, for some women who experience mental health problems, every day is a struggle.
Just like the physical health problems that can crop up during pregnancy, birth or early parenthood (e.g. high blood pressure), mental health problems can also happen to anyone. The important thing is to know how to recognise the signs and to seek help early.
Depression and anxiety are the most common types of mental health problems in the perinatal period, but other serious mental health problems, such as bipolar disorder and puerperal (postpartum) psychosis, can also occur at this time.
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