Maternal Mental Health
The Impact
Traditionally, maternal depression has been considered something which happens once a baby has been born, often mistaken for the so-called “baby blues”. In actual fact, this depression starts for many sufferers during pregnancy and continues throughout and beyond.
Apart from the very real impact on the woman concerned, depression can have an impact on the developing baby. Research published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry suggests that women who experience depression during pregnancy give their children an increased risk of depression as adults. So, there is no greater reason for women to prioritize their own mental health and seek help during pregnancy.
Perinatal mental illness can have an adverse impact on the interaction between a mother and her baby, affecting the child’s emotional, social and cognitive development. And it can detrimentally affect the woman’s self-esteem and her relationships with people in her professional and personal circle.
