[Psychopathology during and after pregnancy]

This article describes two patients with psychosocial problems during and after pregnancy. The first woman suffers from an obsessive-compulsive disorder and developed postnatal depression after her first pregnancy. Her second pregnancy was marked by uncertainty, anxiety and stress. Her caregivers noticed her problems and referred her to a Psychiatry-Obstetrics-Paediatrics(POP)-team, who provided her with successful treatment. The second woman had physical symptoms, which were largely ascribed to antenatal depression and were effectively treated using antidepressants and cognitive behavioural therapy. Although these patients experienced different problems in different situations, the impact on the woman, partner and child(ren) was tremendous in both cases. This article makes clear that early screening and treatment of symptoms of anxiety and depression are relevant during and after pregnancy. Vigilance and screening by midwives, family doctors and gynaecologists help in early recognition and ultimately in earlier treatment, either medicinal and/or using psychotherapy, which may reduce or even prevent harmful consequences.