Antenatal and Postnatal Psychiatry
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Antenatal and Postnatal Psychiatry
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Antenatal and Postnatal Psychiatry
We provide antenatal and postnatal psychiatry for women experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy or after the birth of a child.
Mental Health During Pregnancy and After Birth
Antenatal (for women planning a pregnancy or currently pregnant) and postnatal (for women who have recently given birth) psychiatry involves the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions that may occur during pregnancy or after childbirth. These may include:
- Depression and postnatal depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders (for example Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder)
- Alcohol and drug use disorders
- Psychosis
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses
These conditions can vary in severity and may require specialised assessment and treatment approaches during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Antenatal and Postnatal Psychiatry Assessment Sydney
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment may include discussion of current symptoms, mental health history, pregnancy or birth related experience, sleep, support systems, medication, and any previous psychiatric treatment.
Assessment helps guide an individualised treatment plan that considers both the mothers wellbeing and infant health where relevant.
Special considerations during pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
Mental health conditions during pregnancy and after birth often require careful assessment and individualised treatment planning, as both symptoms and treatment decisions may affect mother and developing baby.
For example, women with bipolar disorder have an increased risk of relapse in the early postpartum period, and postpartum psychosis can develop rapidly and require urgent care.
Careful assessment and treatment planning are therefore essential. Treatment planning may include discussion of
- Medication risks and benefits during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Sleep and stress management
- Psychological therapies
- Support systems and family involvement
- Coordination with GPs, obstetricians, psychologists, or other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
A referral from a GP is required to see a psychiatrist for antenatal or postnatal mental health assessment or treatment.
Our psychiatrists provide assessment and treatment for antenatal and postnatal conditions from across Sydney, including the Eastern Suburbs, Sydney CBD and surrounding areas, with patients attending from suburbs such as Darlinghurst, Randwick, Northern Beaches, and Hunters Hill.
For an appointment, please call our practice on (02) 8359 1930 or complete the inquiry form here.
For additional information and support during pregnancy and after birth, you can visit the COPE Centre of Perinatal Excellence. https://www.cope.org.au/
For New and Current Patients
Important: Please click on the button below and read the information prior to making your appointment
