Perinatal anxiety and depression refer to mood and anxiety disorders that occur during pregnancy and in the first year after childbirth. While many people are familiar with the term “postpartum depression”, perinatal mental health includes both prenatal (during pregnancy) and postpartum (after birth) periods — and affects all birthing and non-birthing parents.
These experiences are more than just the “baby blues” or typical new-parent stress. They involve persistent feelings of sadness, worry, overwhelm, or fear that interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and a parent’s ability to enjoy or connect with their baby.
Perinatal anxiety can also involve intrusive thoughts—unwanted, distressing thoughts or images that can feel alarming or out of character. These are very common and not a sign of danger; in fact, over 90% of new parents report experiencing them. Examples of these types of unwanted intrusive thoughts can include:
- “What if I drop my baby?”
- “What if I accidentally left something in the crib that harms the baby?”
- “What if my baby suffocates in their sleep?”
Perinatal anxiety and depression can look different from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Excessive worry, fear, or racing thoughts
- Feeling irritable or overwhelmed
- Trouble sleeping (even when the baby sleeps)
- Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Changes in appetite
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
- Intrusive, unwanted, and scary thoughts (that may feel distressing or out of character, such as “what if I dropped my baby on purpose” or “what if I touch them inappropriately while changing their diaper?”)
- Suicidal thoughts or urges
These symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. If left untreated, perinatal anxiety and depression can impact a parent’s long-term mental health, their relationship with their baby or partner, and even infant development. With the right support, including therapy, social connection, medication, or a combination, treatment can make a powerful difference and early detection/screening is key.
