by: Patrícia Cristina Rodrigues Mello, Psicóloga, 06/113876
First, it is important to explain the meaning of the word Perinatal, which is very simple.
• Peri means around something
• Natal means birth
That is, around birth and the aspects that are involved in this phase.
Contrary to popular belief, the gestation period is not always marked by joy and
accomplishments. Many women experience sadness or anxiety at this stage in their lives.
Pregnancy and the puerperium are a period in a woman's life that involve numerous physical changes,
hormonal, psychological and social changes, which can directly reflect on her mental health.
(CAMACHO et al.,2006).
The point is, although most studies are focused on postpartum depression, depression during
pregnancy can be considered an important issue, since it constitutes a strong risk factor for
postpartum depression and since perinatal depression can cause low birth weight,
prematurity and affect the development of the baby/child (PATEL 2006; RAHMAN 2004).
The scientific literature indicates that the phase with the greatest chance of mental disorders in women occurs
mainly in the 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy and in the first 30 days of puerperium. It is worth mentioning
that the intensity of psychic alterations depends on factors such as the pregnant woman's personality,
family, marital, social and cultural. (PEREIRA et al. 2008).
Depression is associated with numerous risk factors that can be developed and bring the symptom
in the perinatal period as:
• Having presented depression in another phase of life;
• Having close family members such as father, mother and siblings who presented or have a disorder of
depression or some other mental disorder;
• History of physical or psychological domestic violence;
• Unplanned/desired pregnancy;
• Teenage pregnancy;
• Lack of family or social support;
• Something unexpected that happened (death of spouse or family member, separation);
• Having had a previous miscarriage;
• Having received a diagnosis from the fetus;
• Financial difficulties or unemployment among others.
Evidence shows that, in addition to perinatal depression being more frequent, it is the main factor
risk for postpartum depression, which is often a continuation of the depression initiated
during pregnancy (ALAMI 2006, DA COSTA 2000).
It is important to be aware of the behaviors, feelings and emotions experienced in this phase of
major emotional change and seek help from professionals. To have future generations more
mentally healthy, we need to take care of women's mental health first.
*Perinatal Psychology is a new area of psychology in Brazil, which is concerned with knowing the
psychological phenomena surrounding birth and aspects involved in this phase, such as:
family planning, fertility problems, teenage pregnancy, miscarriage, perinatal grief,
delivery/postpartum, breastfeeding problems, bonding with the baby and adoption.
Bibliographic references:eferências Bibliográficas:
Alami KM, Kadri N, Berrada S. Prevalence and psychosocial correlates of depressed mood during
pregnancy and after chilbirth in a Moroccan sample. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2006;9(6):343-6.
Araujo D M R, Vilarim M M, Sabroza A R, Nardi A E. DEPRESSÃO NO PERÍODO GESTACIONAL E BAIXO
PESO AO NASCER: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA DA LITERATURA. Cad. Saúde Pública, Rio de Janeiro,
fev,2010; 26(2):2019-227.
Camacho RS, Cantinelli FS, Ribeiro CS, Cantilino A, Gonsales BK, Braguittoni E, et al. Transtornos
psiquiátricos na gestação e no puerpério: classificação, diagnóstico e tratamento. Rev Psiq Clín.
2006;33(2):92-102.
Da Costa D, Larouche J, Dritsa M, Brender W. Psychosocial correlates of prepartum and postpartum
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Patel V, Prince M. Maternal psychological morbidity and low birth in India. Br J Psychiatry.
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Pereira PK, Lovisi GM. Prevalência da depressão gestacional e fatores associados. Rev Psiquiatr Clín
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Rahman A, Iqbal Z, Bunn J, Lovel H, Harrington R. Impact of maternal depression on infant nutritional
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