Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS)
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 partners, making mental health disorders the most common complication during childbirth in this country. The hormonal and physical changes, along with shifts in a person’s identity, daily life, and relationships can be overwhelming. People with prior experiences of depression, anxiety, trauma, or loss are particularly at risk for developing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, but anyone can experience changes in mental health during the perinatal period, which spans from pregnancy to one year postpartum.
Perinatal psychologists are specially trained to help parents navigate the unique challenges—and opportunities—that arise during pregnancy and early parenthood. Therapy combines psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder alongside discussions about pregnancy, postpartum planning, and bonding with your baby.
At Prospect Psychology, the perinatal psychologists support individuals dealing with infertility and those using assisted reproductive technology to grow their families. Therapy often starts by focusing on managing the uncertainty, anxiety, and sadness associated with infertility, then shifts to perinatal therapy if a pregnancy occurs. And because pregnancy is a delicate process, perinatal psychologists are ready and able to help you manage the grief of miscarriages, termination for medical reasons, and infant loss.
Research on perinatal mental health shows that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are treatable. When therapy begins before or during pregnancy, all members of a growing family—mothers, partners, and babies—can experience joy and connection.