As many as one in five women in BC will experience a mental health disorder during the perinatal period (conception through pregnancy and up to one year postpartum). Such disorders affect all aspects of a woman’s life, as well as that of her baby and family. If left untreated, the consequences can include compromised prenatal care, increased risk of obstetrical complications, self-medication or substance use, compromised mother/infant interactions, and cognitive, emotional and behavioural impairments in the developing child.

However, with the right strategy and a coordinated approach, mental illness can be detected early and treated effectively. A new publication, Best Practice Guidelines for Mental Health Disorders in the Perinatal Period, has been developed to support healthcare clinicians in this early detection and coordinated treatment of pregnant and postpartum women with mental health challenges.

The guidelines include:

• an overview of mental health disorders in the perinatal period;
• four common disorders: depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders, including postpartum psychosis; and
• education and prevention, screening and diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations for each disorder.

Best Practice Guidelines for Mental Health Disorders in the Perinatal Period was developed by BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services and Perinatal Services BC, in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

The guidelines are available online and hard copies are available for purchase through the C&W Bookstore.