Perinatal mental health focuses on the psychological state of a woman while pregnant. It has long been understood that stressors in a woman's environment while pregnant can affect the earliest and most fundamental developmental milestones of a child.
Some common stressors include:
Additionally 7%-15% of women in high income populations and 16% in low income populations suffer from antepartum (pregnancy-related) depression and about 10% in high income and 20% in low income communities suffer post-partum depression (World Health Organization, 2013).
Social Determinants of Perinatal Mental Health Challenges Include:
Some common stressors include:
- Relationship Stress
- Concerns Regarding Quality of Care related to Bias of Medical Professionals
- Financial Stress
- Mental Illness like Depression and Anxiety
- Maternal Age
- Physical Health Concerns like Gestational Diabetes or Maternal High Blood Pressure
- Addiction
- Environmental Toxins
- Pre-term Labor
- Labor Complications
- Pre-Term Birth
- Low or Very Low Birthweight
- Babies Born Addicted to Subsances
- Babies at Increased Risk for Behavioral Disorders
- Babies at Increased Risk for Mental Illness
- Babies at Increased Risk for Physical Disabilities
- Babies at Increased Risk for Learning Disabilities
Additionally 7%-15% of women in high income populations and 16% in low income populations suffer from antepartum (pregnancy-related) depression and about 10% in high income and 20% in low income communities suffer post-partum depression (World Health Organization, 2013).
Social Determinants of Perinatal Mental Health Challenges Include:
- Socioeconomic Status
- Race/Ethnicity
- Lack of Social Support
- Mental Health Stigma
- Lack of Access to Care
Projects
Advocacy & Awareness
Professional Training & Counselor Education
Research & Program Evaluation