Perinatal Mental Health Certification
(PMH-C) Exam Review | Study Guide &
Prep|| LATEST UPDATE 2026/27
What are some services that Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers? -
CORRECTANSWER - English & Spanish support
- Connecting to local support volunteers and resources
- "Chat with an Expert" phone forums
- Educational DVDs
- Online support groups
- Professional trainings and conferences
Does the PSI Helpline offer phone or text support? -CORRECTANSWER Both! At 1-
800-944-4773. Remember it is not a crisis hotline.
What is the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline? -CORRECTANSWER A national
hotline for the perinatal population that offers support 24hr/365d. 1-833-TLC-MAMA
What is the definition of "perinatal"? -CORRECTANSWER Anytime during pregnancy
through the first year postpartum
What percentage of new mothers experience the "baby blues" in the first few weeks
after the baby arrives? -CORRECTANSWER 80%
,When do the baby blues typically peak? -CORRECTANSWER Day 3-5 after delivery
How long do the baby blues typically last? -CORRECTANSWER 2 days to 2 weeks
after delivery
What are the symptoms of baby blues? -CORRECTANSWER - tearfulness
- lability
- reactivity
- exhaustion
- unrelated to stress or prior psychiatric hx
When making a determination between baby blues and PPD, what should be
considered? -CORRECTANSWER severity, onset, and duration
What is the DSM code for PPD? -CORRECTANSWER Major Unipolar Depression (with
peripartum onset)
What is the DSM criteria for MDD? -CORRECTANSWER SIGECAPS
Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same two-week
period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms
is either
0. Depressed mood
,1. Sleep issues
2. Interest decreased
3. Guilt/worthlessness/hopelessness
4. Energy decreased
5. Concentration decreased
6. Appetite issues
7. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
8. Suicidality or thoughts of death
What is the prevalence of serious depression or anxiety developed during the perinatal
period (beyond just "baby blues")? -CORRECTANSWER At least 1 in 7 mothers
What is the prevalence of postpartum psychosis? -CORRECTANSWER 1-2 in 1,000
mothers
What is the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in fathers? -
CORRECTANSWER 10% of new fathers
What is the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers? -
CORRECTANSWER 21% of new mothers, 19.3% of whom also experienced suicidal
thoughts
, Suicide is the ____ leading causes of maternal deaths -CORRECTANSWER One of the
top 3
What are some obstacles to care for the perinatal population? -CORRECTANSWER -
shame and fear
- provider misinformation
- cultural taboos
- provider accessibility
What is the PSI motto? -CORRECTANSWER You are not alone, you are not to blame,
and with help you will be well.
What is the term for mental health disorders that develop during pregnancy or
postpartum? -CORRECTANSWER Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PMHDs)
According to the formal definition of perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs), when
can their onset begin? -CORRECTANSWER Anytime during or after pregnancy, up to 1
year postpartum, including losses.
Do PMHDs have onset during the "baby blues?" -CORRECTANSWER They can, or
they can arise later.
(PMH-C) Exam Review | Study Guide &
Prep|| LATEST UPDATE 2026/27
What are some services that Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers? -
CORRECTANSWER - English & Spanish support
- Connecting to local support volunteers and resources
- "Chat with an Expert" phone forums
- Educational DVDs
- Online support groups
- Professional trainings and conferences
Does the PSI Helpline offer phone or text support? -CORRECTANSWER Both! At 1-
800-944-4773. Remember it is not a crisis hotline.
What is the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline? -CORRECTANSWER A national
hotline for the perinatal population that offers support 24hr/365d. 1-833-TLC-MAMA
What is the definition of "perinatal"? -CORRECTANSWER Anytime during pregnancy
through the first year postpartum
What percentage of new mothers experience the "baby blues" in the first few weeks
after the baby arrives? -CORRECTANSWER 80%
,When do the baby blues typically peak? -CORRECTANSWER Day 3-5 after delivery
How long do the baby blues typically last? -CORRECTANSWER 2 days to 2 weeks
after delivery
What are the symptoms of baby blues? -CORRECTANSWER - tearfulness
- lability
- reactivity
- exhaustion
- unrelated to stress or prior psychiatric hx
When making a determination between baby blues and PPD, what should be
considered? -CORRECTANSWER severity, onset, and duration
What is the DSM code for PPD? -CORRECTANSWER Major Unipolar Depression (with
peripartum onset)
What is the DSM criteria for MDD? -CORRECTANSWER SIGECAPS
Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same two-week
period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms
is either
0. Depressed mood
,1. Sleep issues
2. Interest decreased
3. Guilt/worthlessness/hopelessness
4. Energy decreased
5. Concentration decreased
6. Appetite issues
7. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
8. Suicidality or thoughts of death
What is the prevalence of serious depression or anxiety developed during the perinatal
period (beyond just "baby blues")? -CORRECTANSWER At least 1 in 7 mothers
What is the prevalence of postpartum psychosis? -CORRECTANSWER 1-2 in 1,000
mothers
What is the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in fathers? -
CORRECTANSWER 10% of new fathers
What is the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers? -
CORRECTANSWER 21% of new mothers, 19.3% of whom also experienced suicidal
thoughts
, Suicide is the ____ leading causes of maternal deaths -CORRECTANSWER One of the
top 3
What are some obstacles to care for the perinatal population? -CORRECTANSWER -
shame and fear
- provider misinformation
- cultural taboos
- provider accessibility
What is the PSI motto? -CORRECTANSWER You are not alone, you are not to blame,
and with help you will be well.
What is the term for mental health disorders that develop during pregnancy or
postpartum? -CORRECTANSWER Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PMHDs)
According to the formal definition of perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs), when
can their onset begin? -CORRECTANSWER Anytime during or after pregnancy, up to 1
year postpartum, including losses.
Do PMHDs have onset during the "baby blues?" -CORRECTANSWER They can, or
they can arise later.
