Presentation
Pregnancy and the birth of a child are powerful events that trigger important transformations in the psychic life of future mothers and fathers - and of the entire family that welcomes the baby. This transition, often joyful, can sometimes be the occasion for the appearance or re-emergence of specific vulnerabilities.
The perinatal psychiatry consultation offers early and appropriate support to prevent such vulnerabilities from tarnishing motherhood and the perinatal period.
The consultation aims to rely on birth professionals (obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians, nursery nurses, etc.) to ensure that the vulnerabilities in question are identified early on, thus enabling future mothers who need it to access psychological care quickly.
Therapeutic indications
- Depression, anxiety disorder or intrusive thoughts existing or rekindled by pregnancy
- Bipolar disorder - may have a high risk of relapse in the postpartum period
- Existence of a family psychiatric history
(indicator of perinatal vulnerability) - Existence of a personal psychiatric history requiring adaptation of follow-up and treatment in view of pregnancy
- Previous grief that may be reactivated during pregnancy
- History of psychotrauma or sexual assault
- Perinatal grief
- Medical termination of pregnancy
- Unperceived pregnancy
(denial of pregnancy)
Practical information
What is the therapeutic framework?
- Individual interviews
- Interviews with the spouse or other family members
When relevant, follow-ups with obstetrics or neonatology professionals can be proposed. These links will often determine the impact of the treatment.