Santé mentale périnatale en période de pandémie COVID-19 :protéger, dépister, accompagner

The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on perinatal mental health: the prevalence of perinatal psychiatric symptoms, in particular anxiety and depression, has significantly increased during the pandemic. This effect could be caused by stress factors directly related to the virus (such as fear of being infected, and the uncertainty about the effect of the virus on the fetuses and infants), but also indirectly through changes in health, social and economic organization (such as lockdown and social distancing measures). The effects of lockdown, and its many associated socio-economic consequences (unemployment, loss of income and domestic violence) constitute an additional challenge for perinatal mental health. Limiting prenatal visits and the presence of the spouse and family during childbirth and the early postpartum period have also contributed to weakening the mental health of mothers. We recommend specific support during pregnancy, continuing during the postpartum period, and based on the use of digital technologies (video consultations, digital applications). In order to limit the perceived uncertainty, clear and reassuring advice should always be given to mothers regarding intrauterine transmission, the passage of the virus from mother to baby during childbirth, and the risk of infection through breast milk. These measures could help protect perinatal mental health during the pandemic.