During pregnancy

• Intimate partner violence or history of any abuse

• Unintended/unwanted pregnancy

• Adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes

• Post-partum blues

• Breast-feeding difficulties

• Poor physical health at the time of conception

• Premenstrual syndrome.

A happy, healthy mom is often likely to have a happy, healthy baby.

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• Use of alcohol, smoking and other illicit substances during pregnancy

• Poor antenatal care

• Impaired bonding with the infant

• Abnormal infant and child development

• Poor healthcare of the child

• Cognitive impairment and psychopathology in the child

• Marital discord

• Suicide

• Infanticide

Post-partum depression does not affect women only, fathers can also be affected.

Up to 10% of new dads suffer from post-partum depression, while 50% of dads with partners who have post-partum depression will develop it themselves.

Unlike women, men become aggressive, irritable and even hostile; they are less likely to engage with their children; oestrogen, prolactin and cortisol levels rise in men after the baby's birth.

Post-partum depression in men is more prevalent today because dads are more involved in the raising of children then previously.

It is important for women of reproductive age to take care of their mental health before, during and after childbirth to minimise the risk and consequences of conditions such as peri-partum and post-partum depression. If you have any concerns about your mental health, contact your healthcare provider to discuss the various treatment options available.