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What increases my risk of developing a mental health condition during pregnancy?
A very common question that many women may ask is what increases my risk of developing emotional or mental health problems in pregnancy or after having a baby? We know that some women may be more vulnerable to emotional and mental health conditions in pregnancy due to a combination of… Read More
References – Pregnancy loss
Hughes, PM., Turton, P. and Evans CDH Stillbirth as risk factor for depression and anxiety in the subsequent pregnancy: cohort study. BMJ 1999; 318:1721. Read More
Perinatal depression
While depression during pregnancy or early parenthood (i.e. the perinatal period) is the same as at any other time of life, the risk of it developing at this time is greater. Australian research indicates that depression is experienced by up to one in ten women (10%) during pregnancy and one… Read More
Using the EPDS as a screening tool
What is the EPDS? The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a questionnaire originally developed to assist in identifying possible symptoms of depression in the postnatal period. It also has adequate sensitivity and specificity to identify depressive symptoms in the antenatal period and is useful in identifying… Read More
Assessing suicide risk
When to assess suicide risk Women who appear to have suicidal thoughts (e.g. have a positive response on Q10 of the EPDS) should be asked about suicidal thinking and self-harm behaviour. Such enquiry does not induce thoughts of suicide, rather it provides an opportunity to ensure the safety… Read More
Assessing mother-infant interaction
Assessing mother-infant interaction should be an integral part of the care of women in the postnatal period. Maternal factors contributing to difficulties with mother-infant attachment include: A history of abuse or neglect Adoption or multiple placements or carers Severe difficulties in interpersonal relationships Past or current domestic violence Complex obstetric history… Read More
Those who may require additional support
There are groups who are likely to require additional support in the perinatal period due to heightened risk factors and/or special circumstances. Women with a past history of mental health disorders Women with a past history of mental health disorders are at increased risk of relapse in… Read More
Decision-making about management
Who should be involved? Managing mental health disorders is collaborative. After diagnosis of a mental health disorder, primary care professionals play a critical role in providing information, monitoring, potential referral, support and care. Specific mental health expertise is required to develop a… Read More
Bipolar disorder in the perinatal period
Bipolar disorder, which used to be called manic depression, involves both periods of feeling low (depressed) and high (mania). While the cause is unknown, it is clear that bipolar disorder is frequently inherited and often linked to stressful life events. Women who have a history of bipolar disorder in their… Read More
Perinatal anxiety
Perinatal anxiety is very common. In a recent Australian study, one-fifth of women assessed during late pregnancy and reviewed at 2, 4 and 6–8 months after the birth had an anxiety disorder (approximately two-thirds with co-occurring depression) and almost 40% of women with a major depressive episode had a co-occurring… Read More