Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications that occur in pregnancy or in the first 12 months after delivery. Despite the negative effects on maternal, obstetric, birth, offspring, partner, and family outcomes, perinatal mental health disorders often remain underdiag
Perinatal Mental Health
Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
URL: https://www.acog.org/programs/perinatal-mental-health
Date: 2026
Overview
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications that occur in pregnancy or in the first 12 months after delivery. Despite the negative effects on maternal, obstetric, birth, offspring, partner, and family outcomes, perinatal mental health disorders often remain underdiagnosed, and untreated or under-treated.
ACOG recognizes the importance of educational tools to help ob-gyns and other women's health care professionals address perinatal mental health conditions. ACOG is sharing the Lifeline for Moms Perinatal Mental Health Tool Kit, developed by the UMass Chan Medical School and reviewed by members of ACOG's Maternal Mental Health Expert Work Group, to provide actionable information, algorithms, and clinical pearls to support detection, assessment, and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Tool Kit Components
Summary of Perinatal Mental Health Conditions
A comprehensive overview of the various perinatal mental health conditions that can affect individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Patient Screening
Guidance and tools for screening patients for perinatal mental health conditions, including validated screening instruments and recommended timing for screening.
Assessment and Treatment of Perinatal Mental Health Conditions
Clinical guidance on how to assess and treat perinatal mental health conditions, including evidence-based treatment approaches and algorithms.
Educational Resources for Providers, Patients, and Families
A collection of educational materials designed for healthcare providers, patients, and their families to better understand perinatal mental health conditions.
Guide for Integrating Mental Health Care into Obstetric Practice
A practical guide for obstetric practices on how to integrate mental health screening and treatment into routine obstetric care.
Key Points
Disclaimer
This information is designed as an educational resource to aid clinicians in providing obstetric and gynecologic care, and use of this information is voluntary. This information should not be considered as inclusive of all proper treatments or methods of care or as a statement of the standard of care. This information does not represent ACOG clinical guidance. It is not intended to substitute for the independent professional judgment of the treating clinician.