Perinatal Mental health

Worldwide about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression. In developing countries this is even higher, i.e. 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after child birth. In severe cases mothers’ suffering might be so severe that they may even commit suicide. In addition, the affected mothers cannot function properly.  

Men are at risk of increased mental distress during the transition to fatherhood, with prevalence rates among men during the perinatal period as high as 8% for clinical depression, 11% for anxiety, and 6% to 9% for elevated stress 

Advocacy helps spotlight disparities in access to perinatal mental health services, particularly for marginalized groups (e.g., people of color, low-income families, LGBTQ+ parents). This can drive systemic changes and culturally competent care. 

 Advocates play a key role in:

• Securing funding for perinatal mental health programs
   
• Expanding paid parental leave and mental health coverage
   
• Integrating mental health screenings into prenatal and postpartum care