Perinatal Mental Health in Women Living in Mexico During Periods of Crises: Experiences of an Earthquake and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Like in many other Latin American countries, women in Mexico face complex social, cultural, economic, and political factors that increase their risk of perinatal depression, anxiety, and mother–infant bonding difficulties. This chapter highlights the impact of two natural and health crises and their adverse effects on the maternal mental health of women in Mexico during the first year of postpartum. This cross-sectional, mixed methods study assessed two independent perinatal groups of Mexican women living in Mexico exposed to the 2017 earthquake (G1, n = 30) and the COVID-19 pandemic crisis during 2020–2023 (G2, n = 24). The assessment during the first year of postpartum included self-reports of depression (EPDS), anxiety (PASS), mother–infant bonding difficulties (PBQ), and violence exposure. Their perinatal experiences were explored with the Stafford Interview. Results indicated that mothers exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic during the perinatal period reported higher symptomatology of depression, suicidal risk, anxiety, and bonding difficulties, especially anxiety about the care of their babies, than perinatal women exposed to the 2017 earthquake. We highlight the importance of maternal mental health screening and treatment for perinatal women who are exposed to stressful large-scale events, particularly during health crises.