In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness, Belleubleu would like to honor, support, and educate all soon-to-be mommas on Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) — because every parent deserves care, compassion, and connection.
🌿 What Is Perinatal Mental Health?
“Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) conditions are the number one complication of childbearing.”
— Postpartum Support International (PSI)
The perinatal period includes pregnancy, post-loss (such as miscarriage or stillbirth), and the postpartum period.
PMH conditions can affect anyone — not just the birthing parent, but also partners and family members. (Source: Postpartum Support International)
💭 Types of Perinatal Mental Health Conditions
Postpartum Support International identifies several major conditions that can arise during this time, each with distinct symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
1️⃣ Perinatal Depression
Signs & Symptoms:
- Anger, irritability, or rage
- Lack of interest in the baby
- Sleep or appetite changes
- Persistent sadness or crying
- Guilt, shame, or hopelessness
- Loss of pleasure in usual activities
- Possible thoughts of self-harm or of harming the baby
Risk Factors:
- Personal or family history of mental health concerns
- PMDD or PMS
- Lack of social support
- Financial or marital stress
- History of abuse
- Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
- Pregnancy or infant loss
- Multiples or infant in NICU
- Thyroid or metabolic imbalance
- High-stress parenting groups (queer/trans families, military families, teen or single parents, parents of color)
Treatment:
Support and practical help (sleep, rest, connection); therapy such as CBT or IPT; and medical evaluation — medication may be part of care.
2️⃣ Perinatal Anxiety
Symptoms:
- Constant worry or racing thoughts
- Restlessness and difficulty relaxing
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or hot flashes
Risk Factors:
- History of anxiety or panic
- Thyroid imbalance
- Limited partner or social support
- Trauma or abuse
- Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
- Stressful life events
- Membership in high-stress parenting groups
Treatment:
Support networks, therapy (CBT, ERP, DBT), and medical care when needed.
3️⃣ Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Characteristics:
Intrusive thoughts or images (often about the baby’s safety) and compulsive behaviors such as excessive checking, cleaning, or counting that interfere with daily life.
Risk Factors:
- History of anxiety or OCD
- Lack of support
- Financial stress
- Trauma or abuse
- Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
Treatment:
Support and self-care, therapy (CBT, ERP, DBT), and medical evaluation as needed.
4️⃣ Perinatal/Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Causes:
Often follows a traumatic or disappointing birth or pregnancy experience — such as medical complications, emergency interventions, NICU stays, or feeling unsupported during labor.
Symptoms:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Hypervigilance and anxiety
- Avoidance of reminders
- Emotional detachment or numbness
Treatment:
Support from trusted people, trauma-informed therapy (CBT, EMDR, IPT), and medical care when appropriate.
🕊️ Remember
Perinatal mental health conditions are common, real, and treatable. You do not need an official diagnosis to ask for help.
💜 Where to Find Help
- PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773
- Text “HELP” to 800-944-4773 (English)
- Text “HELP en Español” to 971-203-7773
- In crisis: Call or text 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
- Postpartum Support International (PSI)
📚 References
Postpartum Support International. (2025, March 18). About perinatal mental health. Retrieved from https://postpartum.net/perinatal-mental-health/
💫 A Message from Belleubleu
If you are expecting, healing, or grieving, please know: you are not alone. Your emotions are valid, and your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. Together, we can create a community where every parent feels supported, seen, and empowered to seek help without shame.
With love and light,
The Belleubleu Team
🌸 Ready for More Support?
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💙About Belleubleu
At Belleubleu, we are dedicated to empowering first-time mothers in New Jersey by providing clear, data-driven insights to navigate the beautiful journey of conception and birth. We curate essential, value-first products — always prioritizing health, well-being, and what’s genuinely best for families.
Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns.
