What does perinatal mean?
I. Definition
The term ‘perinatal’ refers to the period of pregnancy and 1 year postpartum. Perinatal mental health challenges can affect birthing and non-birthing parents.
Medical professionals will likely have varying definitions of the perinatal period. For example, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (5th edition) defines refers to the term ‘peripartum’ as the period during pregnancy or within the 4 weeks post-delivery (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
Mental health professionals, on the other hand, are more likely to include the first full year postpartum. They may also include conception experiences under the term ‘perinatal’ as many also face major mental health challenges when they experience infertility, miscarriages, etc.
II. Related Terms
Prenatal or antenatal refers to the period of time during pregnancy, but before giving birth.
Postnatal or postpartum refers to the period of time following birth.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are mood and anxiety disorders that occur during pregnancy or after childbirth (Kleiman & Waller, 2025).
III. When to Seek Support
You can seek psychotherapy support at any point during the conception, pregnancy, or postpartum stages.
Psychotherapy can help with:
Depression
Anxiety
Pregnancy loss and grief
Infertility
Adjustment to parenthood
Body image
Relationship strain
If you’re experiencing symptoms of the following PMADs, psychotherapy or counselling can help.
Postpartum adjustment disorder
Perinatal depression
Perinatal anxiety
Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder
Childbirth-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (a.k.a. postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder)
Postpartum Bipolar Relapse
Postpartum Psychosis
If you need psychotherapy support, please contact me via my website’s contact page, via e-mail, or book directly through the Book Now button.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Kleiman, K. & Waller, H. (2025). The art of holding in therapy: An essential intervention for postpartum depression and anxiety (2nd ed.). Routledge.
