Rogue Writes Volume 2

From Bump to Baby:

Shedding Light on PMADs

It was 2019, and I was sitting in my midwife’s office, crying as I listened to the heartbeat of the baby growing inside me. I cried because I was relieved to hear her heartbeat, grateful she was growing, but I was also scared of what was to come and anxious about whether I would be good enough. I knew I wasn’t feeling like myself, so I raised a flag with my midwife. She listened, validated what I was going through, and referred me to a clinic that focused on perinatal mental health. The journey to receive help was long and filled with waiting, but after my baby was born, the support of my family, friends, and mental health professionals became critical. It didn’t take away my perinatal anxiety, but it helped me feel less alone.

Almost everyone either has their own story of perinatal mental health or knows someone who does. The transition from pregnancy to parenthood is often described as one of the most life-changing transformations. For many, it’s a time marked by excitement and joy, but it can also bring anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional challenges. While terms like "baby blues" and postpartum depression are becoming more familiar, they only scratch the surface of what individuals may experience. In this blog, I’m going to walk through the timeline of pregnancy and explore perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), what they are, who they affect, and why it’s so important we talk about them.

Understanding the Timeline: Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Perinatal Periods

It’s helpful to distinguish between the stages of this journey to better understand how mental health can shift throughout:

• Prenatal (or Antenatal) Period
  This stage covers the time from conception until birth. Emotional and physical changes are constant, and this period can be a time of higher vulnerability to developing mood disorders.

• Postpartum Period
  Beginning right after birth, this stage is typically defined as lasting from six weeks to six months postpartum. It involves intense emotional and physical adaptation to new parenthood.

• Perinatal Period
  This term refers to the entire span from conception up to one year after birth, though some sources extend it to 18 or even 24 months postpartum. It reflects the ongoing nature of the parenthood transition, recognizing that mental health shifts don’t end once the baby arrives.

What Are PMADs?

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are a group of mental health conditions that can develop anytime during the perinatal period. These include:

• Depression

• Generalized Anxiety

• Panic Disorder

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Bipolar Disorder

• Postpartum Psychosis

Unlike the "baby blues," which usually resolve within two weeks, PMADs persist longer and can significantly impact one’s ability to function and care for themselves or their baby.

Common Signs & Symptoms

Though it can look different for everyone, here are some signs and symptoms of PMADs:

·       Difficulty connecting with the baby

• Overwhelming self-doubt or guilt

• Feeling consumed by day-to-day tasks

• Intrusive, unwanted thoughts

• Thoughts of harm to oneself or the baby

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

• Heightened irritability or emotional numbness

• Excessive fear for the baby's safety

• Avoidance of being alone or with the baby

• Changes in appetite or sleep

• Persistent fatigue, isolation, or trouble focusing

Who Is Affected?

According to the Government of Canada, approximately 1 in 5 birthing people, about 80,000 individuals annually, experience symptoms of PMADs, based on an estimated 400,000 births each year. However, due to the ongoing stigma surrounding mental health in the perinatal period, this number may not fully reflect the true scope of those affected, as many individuals may not disclose their symptoms or seek support.

Additionally, those from marginalized communities, including 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC populations, face increased risk of PMADs due to systemic barriers and inequities in care. For example, Indigenous women are estimated to be 20% more likely to experience prenatal and postpartum depression than white birthing persons in Canada, and Black individuals are twice as likely to experience perinatal mental health challenges but half as likely to receive treatment. Pregnancy or infant loss can also be a significant trigger for PMAD symptoms, further highlighting the need for inclusive and accessible support.

It’s important to remember that PMADs don’t discriminate. Though there is a lot of focus on birthing individuals, partners, adoptive parents, caregivers, and surrogates are also at risk. Research shows that 1 in 10 partners experience postpartum depression, and between 5–15% develop an anxiety disorder during the perinatal period. Despite not undergoing the physical aspects of birth, non-birthing parents often face significant emotional, relational, and identity-related stressors that can contribute to the onset of PMADs. Their experiences are valid and deserving of recognition and support.

Left untreated, these conditions can have serious consequences, ranging from persistent depression to impaired bonding and even maternal suicide. But with the right support, recovery is possible.

Finding Support: Treatment and Coping Strategies

PMADs are treatable. The type of care someone needs will depend on their symptoms and situation. Some supportive approaches include:

• Self-Awareness Practices
  Mindfulness, grounding techniques, and journaling can help individuals reconnect with their emotions and gain insight into their experiences.

• Prioritizing Rest and Nutrition
  While sleep may feel elusive with a newborn, aiming for four consecutive hours can significantly ease symptoms of anxiety. Balanced, nourishing meals throughout the day also support mental health.

• Community and Social Support
  Whether it’s family, friends, or other parents, having people to lean on is vital. Building a support network can ease the weight of new parenthood.

• Education and Group Support
  Classes or peer groups focused on perinatal wellness offer not only practical information but also the reassurance of shared experience.

• Professional Therapy
  Working with a therapist trained in perinatal mental health can offer a safe space to explore thoughts, feelings, and coping tools tailored to this stage of life.

• Medical Options
  For some, medication may be part of the recovery plan. Always consult with a doctor to discuss treatment options that are safe and effective.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy, postpartum, transitioning into parenthood, it’s brutal and beautiful. Something I wish I knew before becoming a mom was that two things can be true at once. You can be grateful for your baby and you can be grieving life before kids. You can be experiencing intrusive thoughts and still feel joy when your baby giggles. Perinatal mental health is layered, and complex and can be confusing and scary. But you are not alone. Reaching out for help, whether to a friend, family member, mental health professional or doctor, is brave. Advocating for your needs is a strength, it does not mean you are a bad mom or dad, it means you know you deserve help. To destigmatize perinatal mental health we need to talk about our experiences openly, understand the signs and symptoms of PMADs and flag someone if you need support. If you or someone you know is struggling “you are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help, you will be well.” (Postpartum Support International, 2025)

Sources

·       Government of Canada: Mental Health during and after pregnancy

·       Postpartum Support International: Perinatal Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

If you are struggling with symptoms of PMADs, book a free consultation and we can work to get you the support you deserve