Glossary of Terms

perinatal terms

Perinatal Period: The time encompassing pregnancy and the first year postpartum. This period is often divided into prenatal (during pregnancy) and postpartum (after birth) phases.

Baby Blues: A common and mild mood disturbance occurring in the first few days after childbirth. Symptoms include mood swings, crying, irritability, and anxiety, usually resolving within two weeks.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs): A broad term that includes various mental health conditions that can affect individuals during pregnancy and postpartum, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD

Postpartum Depression (PPD): A type of mood disorder that affects individuals after childbirth. Symptoms may include persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue, changes in appetite, and loss of interest in activities.

Postpartum Anxiety (PPA): An anxiety disorder experienced after childbirth, characterized by excessive worry, racing thoughts, panic attacks, or intrusive thoughts about the baby's safety.

Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (PPOCD): A type of OCD where individuals experience unwanted and intrusive thoughts about harming their baby, often leading to compulsive behaviors to reduce the perceived threat.

Postpartum Psychosis (PPP): A rare but severe mental health disorder that can occur postpartum, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and a detachment from reality. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Birth Trauma: Emotional distress following a difficult or traumatic birth experience. It can result in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD following childbirth, usually caused by perceived or actual life-threatening events during labor or delivery. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders, and heightened arousal.

Matrescence: The process of becoming a mother, similar to adolescence, characterized by significant identity shifts and emotional changes during the transition into motherhood.

Perinatal Grief and Loss: The emotional experience of grieving due to miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or infertility, affecting emotional well-being during the perinatal period.

Intrusive Thoughts: Unwanted and distressing thoughts or images that can occur during pregnancy or postpartum, often related to fear of harm to oneself or the baby.

Screening Tools for PMADs: Standardized assessments, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), used to evaluate mental health during the perinatal period.

Treatments for PMADs

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): A treatment where a licensed mental health professional works with an individual to address emotional and psychological challenges. Two common types used for PMADs include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.

  • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Centers on improving interpersonal relationships and communication, especially in the context of role transitions and social support

Medication (Psychotropic Medications): Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or mood stabilizers prescribed to manage symptoms of PMADs. The most commonly prescribed medications include:

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): A class of antidepressants often used to treat depression and anxiety in the perinatal period. Examples include sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac).

  • Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Antidepressants that affect both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. An example is venlafaxine (Effexor).

  • Benzodiazepines: Medications sometimes used short-term for severe anxiety or panic. They are used cautiously during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Postpartum Psychosis Treatment: A combination of antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers, and sometimes hospitalization is often required for postpartum psychosis, due to its severity and risks.

Postpartum Psychosis Treatment: A combination of antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers, and sometimes hospitalization is often required for postpartum psychosis, due to its severity and risks.

Peer Support Groups: Groups where parents experiencing similar challenges come together to share experiences and offer emotional support. Peer support can be instrumental in reducing feelings of isolation and promoting recovery. Examples include Postpartum Support International (PSI) groups.

Mother-Baby (Dyadic) Therapy: Therapy that involves both the mother and the baby to promote bonding and address attachment-related issues, helping mothers strengthen their emotional connection with their child.

Couples Therapy: Therapy that includes both partners to address relationship stressors, role changes, and shared responsibilities after a baby’s birth. It can improve communication, support, and co-parenting dynamics.

Psychoeducation: The process of educating individuals and families about PMADs, helping them understand the symptoms, treatments, and importance of self-care. This can empower patients and families to seek help and make informed decisions about treatment.

Self-Care Practices: A cornerstone of PMAD recovery that involves maintaining personal well-being. This may include:

  • Physical exercise: Can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety through the release of endorphins.

  • Sleep hygiene: Prioritizing rest and addressing sleep disturbances that are common postpartum.

  • Nutrition: Ensuring a balanced diet to support hormonal balance and mental health.

  • Mindfulness: Practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Support Networks: A crucial aspect of recovery, which can include family members, friends, or professional help such as doulas, lactation consultants, or postpartum specialists. Building a village of support helps relieve the emotional and practical burdens of new motherhood.

Mother-Infant Inpatient Units: Specialized hospital units where mothers experiencing severe PMADs can receive treatment without being separated from their baby. These units provide care for both the mother’s mental health and the baby’s physical and emotional needs.

Group Therapy: A treatment where individuals experiencing similar challenges participate in a therapeutic group, often facilitated by a therapist. Group therapy for PMADs allows mothers to share their stories, receive feedback, and reduce feelings of isolation.

Understanding the Roles: Coach vs. Therapist vs. Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist

Therapist:

  • Role: Licensed professionals who provide talk therapy to address emotional, psychological, or relational challenges (e.g., anxiety, trauma).

  • Education & Training: Typically holds a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or therapy, with state licensure and supervision.

  • Scope of Practice: Can diagnose and treat mental health issues, but cannot prescribe medication. Focuses on long-term emotional care.

  • Examples: LMFT, LCSW, LPC.

Psychologist:

  • Role: Doctoral-level professionals specializing in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders. Also conducts psychological testing.

  • Education & Training: PhD or PsyD in psychology, with extensive training in theory, practice, and research.

  • Scope of Practice: Provides therapy and assessments but usually doesn’t prescribe medication (except in some states).

  • Examples: Clinical Psychologist

Psychiatrist:

  • Role: Medical doctors (MD/DO) specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders with a focus on biological and psychological factors.

  • Education & Training: Medical school followed by a psychiatry residency, allowing them to prescribe medications.

  • Scope of Practice: Primarily manage mental health with medication, sometimes offering therapy.

  • Examples: Child Psychiatrist, Forensic Psychiatrist.

Coach:

  • Role: Helps individuals set and achieve personal or professional goals, focusing on skill development and behavior change.

  • Education & Training: Varies; some complete certifications in areas like life or health coaching. Not regulated like therapy.

  • Scope of Practice: Coaches don't diagnose or treat mental health issues. They work with mentally healthy individuals aiming to improve life areas like career or relationships.

  • Examples: Life Coach, Health Coach, Career Coach, Parental Leave Coach