What is the Perinatal Period?

The Perinatal Period is the time of conception (fertility), pregnancy, birth and postpartum (0-2 years). It also includes all genders/ sexual orientations.

Every practitioner at Maternal Health Niagara has clinical skills in perinatal mental health, which includes fertility, pregnancy loss, pregnancy and postpartum mood! 

Life isn't always what people expect. Sometimes, the story we tell ourselves about how things will be turn out to be different than we had thought. Families face many challenges, from infertility to pregnancy complications, loss, changes in relationships, and trying to find their new balance.    

If this isn't what you expected, that is okay, and we are here to support you.

 Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders  (PMAD) refer to mental health concerns that include depression, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar and psychosis that occur during pregnancy or the postpartum period. 

We often hear about postpartum depression. However, postpartum anxiety is more common among women.  

2/3 of people start to experience symptoms in pregnancy.

1 in 3 women & 1 in 10 men will experience anxiety or depression during pregnancy or postpartum*

1 in 3 women describe their birth as traumatic.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders is the leading causes of pregnancy and postpartum complication. 

PMAD happens in every culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, income level and ethnicity. 

"Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are treatable with the right support." 

~ Postpartum Support International

** statistics based on research. We know these experiences impact others regardless of their gender identity or family status.

• Personal and family history of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or other mental illness
• Untreated postpartum depression during or following previous pregnancies
• Significant mood changes around the menstrual cycle
• Depression during the current pregnancy, which is the most significant predictor of postpartum depression
• Previous or current pregnancy loss
• Unexpected difficulties during labour and delivery
• History of trauma, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Everyday stresses related to finances, legal concerns, immigration, and interpersonal relationships

You may experience some of the following:

• Anxious, worried or on edge
• Distressed about intrusive or scary thoughts
• Inability to relax
• Fearful something terrible is going to happen
• Being unnecessarily overly cautious about situations  
• Racing thoughts
• Worried about your baby's sleep, health & safety, feeding, or development
• Feeling sad, down, or hopeless
• Mood swings
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Little interest or pleasure in things
• Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much
• Unable to sleep even when the baby is sleeping
• Feeling tired or low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling bad about yourself
• Irritable or angry
• Panic
• Feeling numb or empty
• Avoiding people (or the baby), or going places
• Crying for no apparent reason
• Checking on the baby constantly
• Hallucinations ***
• Not feeling the need to sleep (less than 2-3 hours) ****

*** If you or someone you love is having symptoms of postpartum Psychosis, it is a medical emergency. Please get in touch with your local emergency services for support. 

*** If you are having suicidal thoughts and want to die by suicide, please get in touch with COAST NIAGARA at 1-866-550-5205 and press one or connect with your local emergency services.

• You feel afraid to tell others how you are feeling.
• You worry that others will think you are not a good parent
• You feel embarrassed or guilty.
• You feel like it impacts your relationships
• You may feel like it will never get better
• You aren't sure how to talk about it.
• You feel alone.  

Infertility is defined as not being able to become pregnant after having regular intercourse (sex) without birth control after one year (or after six months if a woman is 35 years or older) 

Infertility impacts 1 in 6 couples. 

Start by talking with your family doctor about your concerns.  Your doctor will gather information from you. If you would like to consult with a fertility clinic you will need a referral from your family doctor.