Maternal mental health illnesses typically occur during the perinatal period, which is during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Mental health illnesses such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder and post traumatic stress disorder are just a few that mothers and birthing parents may experience during the perinatal and postpartum periods. However, postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common maternal mental health concern. PPD can interfere with daily life and may show up as a loss of interest in hobbies and activities and a lack of energy, and it may last for weeks or months at a time.
PPD typically occurs up until one year after the baby is born. The feelings are more intense and last longer than baby blues – the worry, sadness and tiredness after having a baby. The symptoms of postpartum depression may include feeling angry, distancing yourself from others (i.e. your parent, baby or loved ones), crying often or declines in sexual function. PPD may cause sexual function challenges, such as desire, arousal, hormonal changes, physical discomfort, lack of social support, socioeconomic status and psychological stress between couples, which ultimately affects their experiences and satisfaction. Transitioning into parenthood can be stressful and challenging for couples, and addressing PPD can be beneficial for the well-being of the mother or birthing parent to help maintain a healthy sexual relationship and reduce the stress within the couple. Mothers and birthing parents experiencing multiple sexual dysfunctions may have a decrease in sexual desire and difficulty achieving an orgasm. It is important to note that individuals who experience a decline in sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction are also likely to experience a decline in relationship satisfaction.
There are a few tips to reduce the likelihood of one developing maternal mental health disorders to improve overall outcomes for mothers and birthing parents and their babies.
- Tip 1 – Integrating mental health support into standard prenatal care is crucial. This proactive approach can provide reassurance and care to mothers and birthing parents, helping them feel supported and understood.
- Tip 2 – Receiving regular mental health assessments during prenatal care and implementing effective therapeutic interventions is a key part of prenatal care. This approach can instill a sense of security and confidence in mothers and birthing parents, knowing that their mental health is being actively monitored and managed.
- Tip 3 – Incorporating sexual health discussions into routine prenatal and postnatal care is essential. This approach can make mothers and birthing parents feel understood and supported, as it acknowledges the importance of their sexual health during the perinatal and postpartum periods.
- Tip 4 – Self-care is crucial for maintaining physical and psychological health. Engaging in exercise, yoga, relaxation and mindfulness helps manage stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. This approach can encourage mothers and birthing parents to handle the demands of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum life better, reducing the risk of mental health issues.
- Tip 5 – Empowerment enables mothers and birthing parents to feel in control of their lives and decisions. Self-reflection and self-awareness help them understand their needs and feelings, while self-advocacy ensures their concerns and desires are communicated and addressed. Self-love promotes a positive self-image and resilience. Together, these elements support mental health by fostering confidence and a sense of agency, which is vital during the perinatal period.
- Tip 6 – Effective communication helps manage relationships and personal interactions, which can impact mental health. Clear communication about information sharing and boundaries prevents misunderstandings and respects personal limits, contributing to healthier relationships and reducing stress. Establishing these boundaries is especially important in navigating the complex social dynamics during and after pregnancy.
- Tip 7 – Building and maintaining social support is vital to emotional resilience and recovery. A strong support network provides practical assistance, emotional comfort and a sense of connection. This support can come from family, friends, or support groups and is critical in reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing overall mental health. By fostering these connections, mothers and birthing parents can better navigate the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum periods.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Reproductive Health: Symptoms of
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https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/depression/index.html
Chauhan, A., & Potdar, J. (2022). Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy: A Critical
Review. Cureus, 14(10), e30656. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30656
Dawson, S.J., Leonhardt, N.D., Impett, E.A., Rosen, N.O. (2021). Associations Between
Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Couples’ Sexual Function and Sexual Distress
Trajectories Across the Transition to Parenthood. Society of Behavioral Medicine.
https://doi.org/10.1093/abm/kaaa117
Grussu, P., Vicini, B., & Quatraro, R.M. (2021). Sexuality in the Perinatal Period: A Systematic
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