Preconception Mental Health

Guidance for Health Care Providers

Key Messages for Providers

Preconception mental health care is preventive and should begin before pregnancy is planned or recognized.
Untreated psychiatric illness may carry equal or greater risk than medication exposure during pregnancy.
Risk–risk framing and shared decision-making are essential when discussing treatment options.
Trauma-informed, culturally safe care improves engagement and outcomes.
Continuity of care from preconception through postpartum reduces relapse and improves family well-being.

Why Mental Health Belongs in Preconception Care

Mental health is a core component of preconception health. Psychiatric conditions during the reproductive years can influence fertility, pregnancy outcomes, postpartum adjustment, and long-term child development (for more information, see the SOGC Guideline No. 454: Identification and Treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders). Addressing mental health before conception allows for stabilization, medication optimization, and relapse prevention planning.

Preconception mental health care can be integrated into routine visits. Asking about reproductive goals, screening consistently, reviewing medications, and planning follow-up are actionable steps. Early intervention reduces risk before pregnancy begins.

Key rationale:

Many pregnancies are unplanned.
Psychiatric relapse risk increases with abrupt medication changes.
Untreated mental illness can adversely affect fertility, prenatal care engagement, substance use, and postpartum outcomes.
Mental health conditions frequently co-occur with chronic disease and substance use.
Trauma and structural inequities shape access, disclosure, and stability.

Preconception care shifts mental health management from reactive crisis care during pregnancy to early identification, stabilization, and continuity of care.

Clinical Pearl: Untreated Illness Carries Risk. Depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and PTSD can negatively impact pregnancy outcomes if untreated. Medication exposure must be weighed against relapse risk.

Index

Key Messages for Providers
Why Mental Health Belongs in Preconception Care
Core Clinical Principles
Routine Screening and Assessment
Trauma and Violence-Informed and Equity-Oriented Care
Condition-Specific Considerations
Medication Review
When to Refer to Psychiatry
Partner and Family Considerations
Contraception and Pregnancy Timing
Documentation and Continuity
Structural and System-Level Considerations
Practical Clinical Actions
Resources for Health Care Providers
Resources for Patients

Core Clinical Principles

Preconception mental health care should emphasize:

Universal and repeated screening
Trauma-informed care
Risk–risk framing in treatment decisions
Shared decision-making
Continuity across the reproductive life course

Providers play a key role in reducing stigma and supporting access to care.

Routine Screening and Assessment

Mental health screening should be routine for all individuals of reproductive age, regardless of pregnancy intention. Repeated screening over time improves identification of evolving symptoms and supports early intervention. Screening must be paired with clear referral pathways and follow-up capacity.

Mental health screening should be:

Routine
Non-judgmental
Repeated over time
Independent of pregnancy intention

Suggested Validated Screening Tools

Personalized Health Questionnaire-9
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) (adapted outside postpartum)
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
The SCOFF Questionnaire for eating disorder screening

Risk Framing and Shared Decision-Making

Medication and treatment decisions in the preconception period require careful balancing of competing risks. Untreated psychiatric illness may carry significant maternal and fetal consequences. Shared decision-making, incorporating illness severity, relapse history, and patient values, is essential.

Many preconception mental health decisions involve competing risks:

Medication exposure vs. untreated illness
Stability vs. medication transition
Pregnancy timing vs. relapse risk

Untreated depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, PTSD, and eating disorders may carry significant maternal and fetal risk that outweighs the risk associated with medications for treatment.

Avoid automatic discontinuation of psychotropics. Emphasize:

Illness severity
Relapse history
Prior perinatal course
Functional impact
Patient values and reproductive goals

Shared decision-making is central to safe and ethical care.

Trauma and Violence-Informed and Equity-Oriented Care

Experiences of trauma, violence, discrimination, and structural inequity shape mental health and access to care. Trauma-informed approaches improve disclosure, engagement, and continuity. Providers should clarify confidentiality, avoid coercive counselling, and practice culturally safe care.

Patients of reproductive age disproportionately experience:

Intimate partner violence
Reproductive coercion
Racism and colonial trauma
Housing instability
Food insecurity
Stigma related to mental illness

Care should:

Clarify confidentiality limits
Avoid coercive counselling
Use person-first language
Recognize power dynamics
Integrate culturally safe approaches

Trauma-informed care improves disclosure, engagement, and continuity. For more information, visit the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada’s HUB for Trauma and Violence-Informed Care.

Trauma, Childbirth Anxiety and Care Engagement

Trauma experiences, including childhood adversity, sexual violence, racism, medical trauma, and prior difficult pregnancy or birth experiences, can influence how individuals engage with health care. Trauma histories may affect comfort with pelvic examinations, trust in health systems, and willingness to attend prenatal visits.

Childbirth-related anxiety is also increasingly recognized as a barrier to prenatal care engagement. Some individuals delay or avoid care due to fear of pregnancy, childbirth, or prior negative health care experiences.

Trauma-informed approaches to preconception care can improve engagement and support safer pregnancies.

Health care providers can support trauma-informed care by:

Using respectful, non-judgmental communication
Explaining procedures before performing them
Asking permission before physical examinations
Providing choice and control whenever possible
Recognizing that avoidance of care may reflect fear or past trauma rather than lack of interest in health
Offering referrals to mental health services when childbirth anxiety or trauma symptoms are present

Trauma-informed preconception care supports continuity of care and helps reduce barriers to prenatal engagement.

Condition-Specific Considerations

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety disorders are common during the reproductive years and may affect prenatal engagement and postpartum recovery (for more information see SOGC Guideline No. 454: Identification and Treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders). Optimizing symptom control prior to conception reduces relapse risk. Medication continuation should be considered in the context of illness severity and recurrence history.

Clinical Approaches for Preconception Depression and Anxiety Management

Preconception Domain	Key Preconception Considerations	Why Timing Matters	Preconception Priority Action	Coordination / Referral
Symptom stability	Active symptoms increase pregnancy and postpartum risk	Stability at conception predicts course during pregnancy	Achieve symptom stabilization prior to conception	Primary care; mental health
Medication use	Antidepressants and anxiolytics vary in pregnancy safety	Abrupt discontinuation increases relapse risk	Review and optimize medication regimen preconceptionally	Prescribing clinician
Psychotherapy	Access and continuity vary	Engagement before pregnancy improves adherence	Establish or continue effective therapy prior to conception	Mental health services
Functional status	Symptoms may impair self-care and care engagement	Pregnancy increases psychosocial demands	Address functional supports preconceptionally	Primary care
Postpartum risk	High risk of recurrence postpartum	Early planning reduces morbidity	Develop postpartum mental health follow-up plan	Mental health services
Care continuity	Fragmented care increases relapse risk	Transitions worsen outcomes	Ensure documented, shared care plan	All providers

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder carries a high risk of relapse during pregnancy and postpartum, particularly with medication discontinuation. Preconception planning allows for medication optimization and proactive relapse prevention. Early psychiatric collaboration is strongly recommended.

Key Preconception Actions

Achieve sustained mood stability
Review medication regimen with psychiatry
Develop relapse prevention plan
Plan sleep-protective strategies
Establish postpartum monitoring

Clinical Pearl: Relapse risk is high with medication discontinuation. Early psychiatric consultation improves stability.

Clinical Approaches for Preconception Bipolar Disorder Management

Preconception Domain	Key Preconception Considerations	Why Timing Matters	Preconception Priority Action	Coordination / Referral
Mood stability	Relapse risk is high with instability	Stability at conception predicts outcomes	Achieve sustained mood stability prior to conception	Psychiatry
Medication use	Some mood stabilizers are teratogenic	Medication transitions require time	Optimize pregnancy-compatible regimen before conception	Psychiatry
Relapse risk	Pregnancy and postpartum increase relapse risk	Early relapse has severe consequences	Plan relapse prevention strategies preconceptionally	Psychiatry
Sleep regulation	Sleep disruption increases relapse risk	Pregnancy alters sleep patterns	Plan sleep-protective strategies	Psychiatry; primary care
Postpartum risk	High risk of postpartum psychosis	Early planning improves safety	Develop postpartum monitoring and treatment plan	Psychiatry
Care coordination	Multidisciplinary care is often required	Fragmentation increases risk	Ensure shared care plan	All providers

Clinical Pearl: Bipolar Disorder Requires Proactive Planning. Relapse risk is high with medication discontinuation. Early psychiatric consultation improves stability.

Severe Mental Illness (e.g., psychotic disorders)

Psychotic disorders and other severe mental illnesses require stabilization and coordinated multidisciplinary care prior to conception. Abrupt medication changes increase relapse risk. Preconception care supports continuity and safety planning.

Key Preconception Actions

Achieve clinical stability
Optimize medication regimen
Assess social supports
Develop postpartum monitoring plan
Coordinate multidisciplinary care

Clinical Pearl: Fragmented care increases relapse risk; coordinated care improves outcomes.

Clinical Approaches for Preconception Severe Mental Illness (including psychotic disorders)

Preconception Domain	Key Preconception Considerations	Why Timing Matters	Preconception Priority Action	Coordination / Referral
Illness stability	Active illness increases maternal and fetal risk	Stability at conception predicts outcomes	Achieve sustained clinical stability prior to conception	Psychiatry
Medication use	Antipsychotics vary in pregnancy safety	Discontinuation increases relapse risk	Optimize medication regimen preconceptionally	Psychiatry
Insight and capacity	Decision-making capacity may fluctuate	Pregnancy increases the complexity of care	Support informed planning while stable	Psychiatry
Social supports	Psychosocial stress increases relapse risk	Pregnancy and postpartum strain supports	Identify and strengthen supports preconceptionally	Mental health; social services
Postpartum risk	Elevated risk of relapse and hospitalization	Early intervention improves outcomes	Plan intensive postpartum follow-up	Psychiatry
Care continuity	Service disruption worsens outcomes	Transitions increase relapse risk	Coordinate care across services	All providers

Practice Tip: Do Not Stop Psychotropics Abruptly. Sudden discontinuation increases relapse risk, particularly in bipolar disorder and severe depression. Medication transitions are safest before conception.

Trauma-Related Disorders (PTSD)

PTSD and trauma exposure are prevalent in reproductive-age populations and may influence pregnancy outcomes and care engagement. Sensitive screening and trauma-informed referrals are essential. Stabilization before conception improves resilience and coping capacity.

Key Preconception Actions

Stabilize symptoms
Review medication regimen
Develop trauma-informed care plan
Plan postpartum mental health follow-up

Clinical Pearl: Planning for trauma triggers during pregnancy and birth can improve care engagement.

Clinical Approaches for Preconception Trauma-Related Conditions and PTSD

Preconception Domain	Key Preconception Considerations	Why Timing Matters	Preconception Priority Action	Coordination / Referral
Symptom burden	Trauma symptoms may worsen during pregnancy	Pregnancy-related care may trigger symptoms	Achieve symptom stabilization prior to conception	Mental health services
Medication use	Some agents require review	Early exposure may occur	Review the medication regimen preconceptionally	Prescribing clinician
Care engagement	Trauma histories may affect healthcare use	Avoidance increases pregnancy risk	Support continuity and predictability of care	Primary care
Anticipatory planning	Pregnancy and birth may be triggering	Planning reduces retraumatization	Develop anticipatory care plan preconceptionally	Mental health; obstetric care
Postpartum risk	Increased risk of symptom exacerbation	Early support improves outcomes	Plan postpartum mental health follow-up	Mental health services
Care coordination	Cross-sector care often required	Fragmentation increases harm	Ensure shared care documentation	All providers

Equity Alert: Trauma and Structural Vulnerability Influence Care. Experiences of violence, racism, poverty, and stigma affect disclosure and stability. Use trauma-informed, culturally safe approaches.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can affect fertility, nutrition, and obstetric outcomes. Preconception assessment should include evaluation of weight cycling, purging behaviours, and nutritional status. Early stabilization supports safer pregnancy outcomes.

Key Preconception Actions

Achieve medical and psychological stabilization
Assess nutritional status
Screen for purging or restrictive behaviours
Coordinate mental health and dietitian care

Clinical Pearl: Early stabilization improves pregnancy outcomes.

Clinical Approaches for Preconception Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating

Preconception Domain	Key Preconception Considerations	Why Timing Matters	Preconception Priority Action	Coordination / Referral
Medical stability	Active illness increases pregnancy risk	Nutritional deficits affect early development	Achieve medical stability prior to conception	Mental health; primary care
Nutritional status	Deficiencies are common	Early fetal development is nutrition-dependent	Assess and correct deficiencies preconceptionally	Dietitian
Psychological stability	Pregnancy may exacerbate symptoms	Symptom escalation increases morbidity	Stabilize symptoms before pregnancy	Mental health services
Medication use	Psychotropics may require review	Changes take time	Review medications preconceptionally	Prescribing clinician
Postpartum risk	High relapse risk postpartum	Early planning improves outcomes	Plan postpartum monitoring	Mental health services
Care coordination	Multidisciplinary care required	Fragmentation worsens outcomes	Establish a coordinated care plan	All providers

Substance Use Disorders (Integrated Care)

Substance use disorders frequently co-occur with mental health conditions, chronic disease, trauma exposure, and social vulnerability. Fragmented care increases the risk of relapse, destabilization, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. An integrated, multidisciplinary approach incorporating primary care, addiction medicine, mental health services, and social supports improves stabilization before conception and supports continuity across pregnancy and postpartum. Preconception care offers a critical window to coordinate treatment, align pregnancy timing with stability, and reduce intergenerational risk.

Integrate:

Harm reduction
Medication-assisted treatment when indicated
Psychiatric stabilization
Contraception until stabilization if desired

Fragmented care increases risk.

Medication Review

Medication review prior to conception provides an opportunity to optimize treatment, adjust dosing if needed, and allow time for stabilization. Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided. Decisions should incorporate relapse probability, functional impact, and patient preferences.

Key Preconception Actions

Preconception medication review should:

Include all prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and supplements.
Evaluate teratogenicity data and evidence gaps.
Consider lowest effective dose where clinically appropriate.
Avoid abrupt discontinuation.

Risk Framing

Compare medication exposure risks with risks of untreated illness.
Consider illness severity and relapse probability.

Timing Matters

Medication transitions are safest before conception.
Allow stabilization time after medication changes.

Avoid Abrupt Discontinuation

Sudden cessation increases relapse risk.
Particularly high risk in bipolar disorder and severe depression.

Folate Optimization

Ensure adequate folic acid supplementation, especially with mood stabilizers.

Metabolic Monitoring

Monitor weight, glucose, and lipids with antipsychotics.
Optimize chronic conditions prior to conception.

Document Shared Decision-Making

Include patient values, reproductive goals, and risk discussion.

Psychotropic Medication Counselling – Quick Reference Table

How to Use This Table

Not a substitute for specialist consultation.
Individualize based on illness severity, relapse history, prior perinatal course, and patient preferences.
Avoid abrupt discontinuation.
Document shared decision-making.
Allow time for medication transition before conception when indicated.

When to Refer to Psychiatry

Consider specialist referral for:

Bipolar disorder
History of psychosis
Severe or recurrent depression
Suicide attempt history
Complex polypharmacy
Medication transition from valproate or carbamazepine

Integrating mental health into preconception care improves stability before pregnancy begins. Early identification, medication review, trauma-informed communication, and coordinated care reduce relapse risk and support healthier pregnancies and families.

Medication Class	Examples	Key Preconception Considerations	Counselling Points	Clinical Action Before Conception
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)	Sertraline, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine	Generally, among the best-studied antidepressants in pregnancy	Untreated depression carries relapse and functional risk; small potential neonatal adaptation effects	Continue if moderate–severe or recurrent depression; use lowest effective dose; avoid abrupt stop
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)	Venlafaxine, Duloxetine	Less data than SSRIs but commonly continued	Monitor blood pressure; relapse risk if discontinued	Continue if effective; assess prior relapse history
Bupropion	Bupropion	Limited but reassuring data; also used for smoking cessation	Consider seizure risk history; may support tobacco cessation	Continue if effective; individualize
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)	Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline	Older data; generally acceptable	Anticholinergic side effects; overdose risk	Continue if stable and effective
Antidepressants – Mirtazapine	Mirtazapine	Limited but reassuring data	May help with nausea and insomnia	Continue if effective
Benzodiazepines	Lorazepam, Clonazepam	Associated with sedation and neonatal withdrawal if used late pregnancy	Avoid abrupt discontinuation; dependency risk	Consider taper prior to conception if clinically appropriate; use the lowest effective dose
Atypical Antipsychotics	Quetiapine, Olanzapine, Risperidone	Increasing pregnancy safety data; metabolic monitoring is important	Risk–risk discussion is critical in bipolar disorder or psychosis	Optimize metabolic health preconception; avoid abrupt stop
Typical Antipsychotics	Haloperidol	Long-standing safety data	EPS risk: dose adjustment may be needed	Continue if required for stability
Mood Stabilizers – Lithium	Lithium	Associated with a small increased risk of cardiac malformations; high relapse risk if stopped	Requires careful monitoring; risk–risk framing essential	Consult psychiatry; consider dose adjustment; ensure folate optimization
Mood Stabilizers – Valproate	Valproic acid	Strongly associated with neural tube defects and neurodevelopmental risk	Generally contraindicated in reproductive-age patients if alternatives are available	Transition to a safer alternative before conception whenever possible
Mood Stabilizers – Carbamazepine	Carbamazepine	Associated with neural tube defect risk	Folate supplementation is essential; risk–risk discussion	Consider transition to alternative preconception
Mood Stabilizers – Lamotrigine	Lamotrigine	Generally favourable reproductive safety profile	Serum levels fluctuate in pregnancy	Consider as an alternative to valproate; monitor levels
Stimulant Medications for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)	Methylphenidate, Amphetamines	Limited but growing safety data	Assess severity and functional impairment	Individualize; consider non-stimulant strategies if mild
Non-Stimulant Medications for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)	Atomoxetine	Limited pregnancy data	Weigh symptom control vs data limitations	Shared decision-making required
Sleep Agents (Z-drugs)	Zopiclone	Limited data	Address sleep hygiene first	Consider taper if mild insomnia
Buspirone	Buspirone	Limited data but low teratogenic signal	Often used for anxiety	Continue if effective

Partner and Family Considerations

Partner mental health influences:

Relationship stability
Social support
Parenting capacity
Stress regulation

Preconception counselling should include partner and family context when possible.

Contraception and Pregnancy Timing

When mental health symptoms are unstable, pregnancy timing discussions can support stabilization and safety. Counselling should align with patient goals and reproductive autonomy. Framing timing as protective rather than restrictive promotes trust.

When mental health is unstable:

Frame contraception as protective, not coercive.
Align pregnancy timing with stabilization goals.
Revisit goals periodically.
Respect reproductive autonomy.

Clinical Pearl: Stability Before Conception Improves Outcomes. Symptom control, sleep stabilization, and social supports reduce perinatal relapse risk.

Equity Alert: Avoid Coercive Framing Around Pregnancy Timing. Mental illness does not justify restrictive or directive reproductive counselling. Shared decision-making is foundational.

Documentation and Continuity

Objective, non-stigmatizing documentation supports coordinated care across providers. Continuity from preconception through pregnancy and postpartum reduces fragmentation and relapse risk. Mental health planning should extend beyond conception.

Use objective, non-stigmatizing language.
Document shared decision-making.
Coordinate across psychiatry, primary care, obstetrics and gynaecology, and community services.
Ensure postpartum follow-up planning begins preconception.
Continuity across the reproductive life course reduces fragmentation.

Practice Tip: Ask About Reproductive Goals Routinely. Mental health management should include pregnancy intention discussions at regular intervals, not only when pregnancy is disclosed.

Practice Tip: Document Shared Decision-Making. Include discussion of relapse probability, medication risks, patient values, and reproductive goals.

Structural and System-Level Considerations

Effective preconception mental health care requires accessible psychotherapy, psychiatry consultation pathways, and integrated primary care models. Addressing social determinants of health improves stability and engagement. System-level coordination strengthens intergenerational outcomes.

Effective preconception mental health care requires:

Integrated mental health within primary care
Access to psychotherapy
Psychiatry consultation pathways
Culturally safe and gender-affirming services
Screening for IPV and structural vulnerability
Workforce training in trauma-informed care

Practical Clinical Actions

At routine visits, consider:

Screening for mental health conditions
Assessing substance use
Reviewing medications
Assessing relapse history
Discussing reproductive goals
Optimizing folate intake
Coordinating psychiatry referral when needed
Planning follow-up care

Small, consistent interventions during routine visits can significantly improve preconception and perinatal mental health outcomes.

Resources for Health Care Providers

To support comprehensive, trauma-informed preconception mental health care, the following resources provide clinical guidance, education, and practical tools.

SOGC Resources

Patient Handouts on Preconception Health
A collection of plain-language patient handouts that explain why preconception health matters, outline practical next steps, and support shared conversations with the health care team.

Preconception Health and Mental Health: Provider At-a-Glance Summary
A provider-facing summary that outlines why mental health should be addressed before conception and highlights its importance for fertility, treatment planning, and maternal and newborn outcomes.

Preconception Health and Mental Health
A provider-facing resource that highlights why mental health matters before conception and supports early, preventive care to improve maternal and newborn outcomes.

Preconception Mental Health – Clinician Quick Reference Guide
A practical guide for clinicians on screening, medication review, relapse prevention, trauma-informed care, and referral planning to optimize mental health before pregnancy.

Preconception Mental Health – 30-Second Clinical Decision Flowchart for Providers
A rapid-reference flowchart guiding clinicians through pregnancy intention screening, mental health assessment, medication review, relapse risk, and referral planning before conception.

SOGC HUBs

Trauma- and Violence-Informed Care
A resource that provides information, tools, and learning resources to support trauma and violence-informed practice in health care.

Perinatal Mental Health for Health Care Providers
A resource for health care providers that summarizes key evidence and recommendations on perinatal mental health and links to tools, guidelines, and learning resources to support care during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

SOGC Clinical Guidelines

N^o 454: Identification and Treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety DisordersA clinical practice guideline that outlines evidence-based approaches to the identification and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders to support care during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

N^o 349: Substance Use in PregnancyA clinical practice guideline that outlines evidence-based approaches to screening, counselling, and managing substance use during pregnancy.

SOGC Online Courses

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
A course that builds knowledge and practical skills in screening, counselling, and treatment planning for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Trauma and Violence-Informed Care
A course that builds knowledge and practical skills in trauma- and violence-informed care to support safer, more effective patient care.

Alcohol and Pregnancy
A course that summarizes current recommendations on alcohol use during pregnancy and builds practical skills in screening, intervention, and treatment.

Transgender & Gender Diverse Health 101
A course that builds knowledge and practical skills to support inclusive, culturally competent care for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse patients.

Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy
A course that builds knowledge and practical skills in gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse patients.

Websites

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
A Canadian mental health resource hub that provides information, clinical services, education, and tools to support mental health and substance use care.

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT)
A Canadian clinical resource hub that provides treatment guidelines, education, and patient resources to support care for mood and anxiety disorders

Healthy Pregnancy Hub
A Canadian resource hub that provides evidence-informed information, fact sheets, and tools on medications, health conditions, and pregnancy to support informed decision-making.

META:PHI (Mentoring, Education, and Clinical Tools for Addiction)
A Canadian clinical resource hub that provides education, guidance, and practical tools to support evidence-based substance use health care.

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)
A Canadian resource hub that provides evidence-based information, policy resources, and tools to support substance use prevention, harm reduction, and treatment.

Resources for Patients

Frequently Asked Questions – Mental Health Before Pregnancy
An SOGC resource that answers common questions about mental health before pregnancy and supports informed discussions with a health care provider.

Preconception Mental Health
An SOGC and CanFASD resource that provides guidance on mental health before pregnancy, including key considerations and support for informed preconception planning.

Myth vs Fact: Mental Health Before Pregnancy
An SOGC resource that addresses common myths and facts about mental health before pregnancy to support informed preconception decision-making.

Preconception and Mental Health – Key Takeaways
An SOGC resource that highlights why mental health before pregnancy matters and outlines key considerations for treatment, support, and informed preconception care.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)

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