Perinatal illness is defined as any mental health illness surrounding childbirth.

This includes:

Ante-natal depression - depression during pregnancy

Post-natal depression - depression occuring after the birth of a child

Puerperal psychosis - a sudden deterioration in mental health which needs urgent medical care

Birth Trauma - defined as post-natal post traumatic stress disorder.

Please see individual categories for a more in-depth description. Please note that if you are suffering from any of the above, we would always advise you to contact a health professional for advice.