Perinatal Health: What It Means and Why It Matters

The word "perinatal" gets used a lot in the context of pregnancy and new parenthood, but it is not always clearly explained. If you have seen it on a referral, a pamphlet, or a clinic website and wondered exactly what it covers, this post is for you.

What Does Perinatal Mean?

Perinatal refers to the period surrounding birth. Clinically, it spans from conception through to the end of the first year after birth. Some definitions extend it slightly in either direction. The key point is that perinatal care is not only about the pregnancy itself. It encompasses the physical and emotional health of the parent from early pregnancy through the entire first year of the baby's life.

This distinction matters. A lot of focus during pregnancy sits around the antenatal period, the appointments, the scans, the birth plan. But the postnatal period, particularly the months after the baby arrives, is when many parents experience their most significant physical and emotional challenges. Perinatal care recognises both.

What Does Perinatal Health Cover?

Perinatal health is a broad term that includes:

Physical health during pregnancy. Antenatal check-ups, blood tests, shared care coordination with an obstetrician or midwife, monitoring for conditions like gestational diabetes or hypertension, and preparing for birth.

Physical recovery after birth. The postnatal body goes through significant change. Perinatal care includes assessment of physical recovery, pelvic floor health, wound healing, and breastfeeding support.

Perinatal mental health. This is one of the most critical components of perinatal care. Perinatal mental health conditions, including antenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression, affect approximately one in five women and one in ten men during the perinatal period, according to PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia). These are among the most common complications of pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Infant health and development. While the focus of perinatal care is primarily on the parent, the wellbeing of the baby is closely connected. Early developmental concerns, feeding difficulties, and infant sleep can all have a significant impact on parent mental health and on the parent-child relationship.

Perinatal Mental Health: What to Look For

Perinatal mental health conditions do not always look like what people expect. They do not always involve obvious sadness. They can look like:

• Persistent worry or anxiety that feels out of proportion
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Intrusive or frightening thoughts
• Feeling numb, disconnected, or unlike yourself
• Irritability, anger, or a short fuse that is new for you
• Difficulty sleeping even when the baby is sleeping
• Physical symptoms such as chest tightness, headaches, or nausea with no clear cause

If any of this sounds familiar, it is worth talking to someone. These experiences are common, they are not a reflection of your capability as a parent, and they are treatable.

When to Seek Support

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a validated screening tool used by GPs and midwives in Australia to identify perinatal mental health concerns. Your GP can administer this as part of a routine postnatal check. You can also request it at any point if you have concerns.

Beyond screening, Embrace Medical on Crown offers mental health care plans, which can provide Medicare-subsidised access to psychology and allied health support. This is available to anyone experiencing a mental health condition, including perinatal anxiety and depression.

Perinatal Care at Embrace Medical

Embrace Medical on Crown has a team with specific experience in the perinatal period. Dr Hayley Glasson is a perinatal GP, and Drs Kate McCullough and Marisa Nguyen also have additional training in perinatal health. The clinic offers antenatal shared care, postnatal reviews, perinatal mental health support, and access to the wider allied health team.

Embrace also facilitates Mothers and Fathers groups,  the Circle of Security program and Women's Circle, which provide peer connection and community support during the perinatal period, alongside the clinical care the team provides.

Appointments at Embrace are longer than a standard GP visit. That means there is actually time to talk about what is happening, not just tick boxes.

A Note on Partners and Non-Birthing Parents

Perinatal mental health affects partners and non-birthing parents too. PANDA data indicates that approximately one in ten fathers and non-birthing parents experience depression during the perinatal period. This is often less well recognised and less frequently asked about. If you are the partner of someone who has recently had a baby and you are struggling, your experience is valid and support is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is perinatal health?

Perinatal health refers to the physical and emotional wellbeing of a parent from conception through the first year after birth. It includes antenatal care, postnatal recovery, and perinatal mental health.

What is perinatal mental health?

Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of parents during pregnancy and the first year after birth. Conditions include antenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression, which affect around one in five women during this period.

How do I know if I have postnatal depression?

Symptoms can include persistent anxiety, low mood, difficulty bonding, intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, and disrupted sleep. If you are concerned, speak with your GP. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a validated screening tool your GP can use.

Can I get a mental health care plan from my GP for perinatal mental health?

Yes. If your GP identifies a mental health condition, they can prepare a mental health care plan that provides Medicare-subsidised access to psychology and other allied health services.

Does Embrace Medical offer perinatal care in Wollongong?

Yes. Embrace Medical on Crown offers antenatal shared care, postnatal reviews, perinatal mental health support, and mental health care plans. The clinic has GPs with specific interest and experience in perinatal medicine.