What is a Perinatal Psychiatrist?

-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Greetings *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-:

I recently received a letter through the post, informing me that I have an appointment with a Perinatal Psychiatrist. “Now, I know what a Psychiatrist is but what on god’s earth is a PERINATAL PSYCHIATRIST?” was my reaction. It was obvious that the term “Perinatal” was about Pregnancy, but I just couldn’t understand what the role of a Perinatal psychiatrist could be.

So, it didn’t take me long to jump on the Google band wagon and start investigating like I was solving a Murder Case! And, Voila! I got a big fat Nought in the beginning like you do with most crime investigations! I searched the term “Perinatal Psychiatrist” and didn’t get anything for that but instead I found a whole load on “Perinatal Psychiatry”.

“Specialist Perinatal services have been established to serve the needs of women who are or requiring management during pregnancy or in the postpartum period (usually up to one year post delivery). Perinatal teams may also offer advice on management of mental illness prior to conception.”

Source: Royal College of Psychiatry

From the numerous articles I have read, I've understood that a Perinatal psychiatrist specialises in working with women whose pregnancy or post-natal period is complicated by mental health issue. They care for the mother and baby’s mental health, during pregnancy and after childbirth.

They work with women that already have mental health issues, women that have problems for the first time in pregnancy and women that suffer post-natal depression or are in the risk of relapse due to a pre-existing or past condition. They may also work with women to help the management of mental illness prior to conception.

Now, what’s the great difference between a psychiatrist and a Perinatal psychiatrist? Well, simple put they specialise in the mental illnesses that can affect the mother and the baby, such as Postpartum Depression and Puerperal Psychosis etc.

Here are some links if you’re interested in reading up on it yourself:

• RCPSYCH Perinatal Psychiatry 
• BMJ Perinatal Psychiatry

 So, that’s all for now.

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-: