Perinatal (i.e., can occur during pregnancy and/or up to THREE years postpartum) Mood + Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the #1 pregnancy and postpartum complication. Number. One.

PMADs can occur any time during pregnancy or in the first year of postpartum, usually peaking around 3-4 months (aka around the time when the birth parent may be going back to work).

Research has indicated that 1 in 5 birth parents experience one or more PMADs.

The actual number is most likely much higher, as it is common for mental health conditions to be underreported due to stigma and shame.

38% of birth parents of color experience PMADs, which is almost 2X the rate of white birth parents.

Also, 60% of people of color with PMADs do not, or are not able to, access treatment.

PMADs can also happen to partners, as well as those who have experienced pregnancy loss, abortion, + adoption.

While postpartum depression has been the umbrella term for postpartum mental health, and as many as 10-15% of birth parents experience it, many don’t identify with the depressive symptoms, and PMADs encompass a variety of other diagnoses, including:

Perinatal Depression
Perinatal Bipolar
Perinatal Anxiety
Perinatal Panic Disorder
Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Perinatal Psychosis

While perinatal eating disorders are not an official diagnosis in the DSM, they are conditions that very commonly occur, and something to look out for. <3

If you, or someone you know, may be experiencing a PMAD, please reach out for support. Postpartum Support International is an incredible website, full of information about PMADs, gives access to online support groups, and has a provider directory to help you find a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health.

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Let’s Talk Perinatal Mental Health

Let’s Talk Perinatal PTSD

My Work With Treating Eating Disorders <3