What is perinatal depression? Here's what pregnant mothers should know.

When Britney Spears recently revealed she was expecting her third child with partner Sam Asghari, she also opened up about going through perinatal depression during her first two pregnancies.

“It’s hard because when I was pregnant I had perinatal depression. I have to say it is absolutely horrible. Women didn’t talk about it back then, some people considered it dangerous if a woman complained like that with a baby inside her.

“But now women talk about it everyday. We don’t have to keep that pain a reserved proper secret,” she wrote in her Instagram post.

We often hear about postpartum depression, but what is perinatal depression? Here’s what pregnant mothers should know.

Perinatal depression is a mood disorder that can affect a woman during pregnancy while postpartum depression can happen within the first 12 months after childbirth.

Experts say that mental health and social factors are most likely the reason for perinatal depression and symptoms can range from mild to severe.

"Low mood or energy, lack of appetite, panic attack, nausea, vomiting, and hypersomnia may be some of the common symptoms,” said Dr Mohamad Faisol Mihat an obstetrician and gynaecologist specialist at Pantai Hospital Klang in an interview with Sinar Daily.

How common is perinatal depression among pregnant mothers? According to Dr Faisol he said one out of five women would typically experience perinatal depression.

For those who feel like they may experience these symptoms should seek professional help to get treated accordingly.

Is there lack of awareness on perinatal depression? Dr Faisol commented that most women are more aware about postpartum depression as compared to perinatal depression.

"That is why we have confinement or “pantang” days for both mother and baby after childbirth.

"However, not many are aware of perinatal depression which occurs during pregnancy days," he added.

In some cases, some woman might redevelop perinatal depression from their previous pregnancies.

What can their spouse or family members do to help?

"During postpartum, husbands can help to take care of the baby while the mother rests.

"But for perinatal depression, what they can do, is provide moral support," said Dr Faisol.

Don’t hesitate in seeking medical help when needed as perinatal depression shouldn’t be taken lightly.