What is a "Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder?" There are several mental health disorders that can affect women and their families during the “perinatal” period which is the time of pregnancy or anytime during the first year after birth. There is a greater occurrence of mental health disorders during the perinatal period and this is thought to be caused by the unique physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, childbirth, and new parenthood. There is an even greater vuln