Background and Objective: Pregnancy is a period in a women life where she undergoes physical and mental changes. In the recent era prevalence of mental health disorders are on the rise. Anxiety and depression are the most common faced by the pregnant women. Effect of mental health can affect the newborn care and can lead to long term behavioral and psychological impacts on the child. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of mental health disorders during pregnancy and puerperium in a tertiary health care in Ernakulam.

Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among 100 participants in a tertiary health care in Ernakulam Kerala. The study was conducted from July to August 2021. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed. Approval was obtained from institutional ethics committee prior to the study.

Results: The prevalence of mental pressure or tension experienced by the women was found to be 32% antenatally which reduced to 9% postnatally. 37% women reported of having sleeplessness, depression or lack of interest at the period of pregnancy. This was found to reduce to 7% postnatally. One woman was found to show active suicidal thoughts, attempts or self-harm. The prevalence of women who experienced anxiety, palpitations or over sweating was found in 21% antenatally which reduced to 5% postnatally. A previous history of any mental health disorder or any episodes of seizure was reported only by one participant. From the data analysed from the bystander information, it was found that 34% women showed excessive anger or overtalkativeness antenatally which reduced to 4% postnatally. Antenatally 20% of women showed signs of underlying doubts or fear which was found to reduce to 5% postnatally. Only 2% of women were reported to laugh, talk or murmur to oneself during the period of pregnancy. Women showed good interest in child care after delivery as only one woman was reported to show lack of interest in child care. 1% of women was noticed to show any other mental disorders both antenatally and postnatally.

Interpretation and Conclusion: The study concludes by determining the various prevalence of mental health disorders during pregnancy and puerperium in a tertiary health care centre. Prevalence of various mental health issues were found to be more during the antenatal period. Antenatal depression, sleeplessness or lack of interest was the major problem followed by excessive anger and mental pressure or tension. The prevalence was seen to reduce postnatally