Refining a framework for perinatal wellbeing through the lens of mothers: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Although perinatal wellbeing has emerged as a multidimensional concept aligned with women-centred, personalised models of care, it is still commonly defined in narrow terms undermining its usefulness for clinical practice, service evaluation and intervention design. The aim of the study was to explore women's experiences and narratives of perinatal wellbeing during the perinatal period (pregnancy-12 months postpartum) and to report how these narratives informed the refinement of the Perinatal Wellbeing (PWB) framework. METHODS: Fifty-two pregnant women and mothers completed an online qualitative survey. Responses were analysed thematically to identify key themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: (1) Characteristics of perinatal wellbeing as multidimensional, dynamic, and linked to infant wellbeing; (2) A challenging time shaped by competing demands, identity shifts, and societal expectations; (3) Regaining and maintaining wellbeing through agency, autonomy, and self-care; and (4) Other factors influencing wellbeing, including support, healthcare relationships, work, environment, and personal history. CONCLUSION: The refined PWB framework conceptualises perinatal wellbeing as a dynamic, multidimensional and relational experience that extends beyond symptom reduction, shaped by caregiving responsibilities, agency and contextual supports. These findings highlight the need for women-centred, personalised models of perinatal care that move beyond 'one-size-fits-all' approaches and embed wellbeing frameworks that reflect women's lived experiences.