1. The occurrence of psychiatric conditions in association with gestation and particularly the puerperium is greater than might be expected by chance, and the mean age at which these reactions occur is about 30. 2. The parapartum period is associated with physiological changes which have also been associated with mental changes in psychiatric reports. 3. Changes in the nervous system occur in the parapartum period and are illustrated by changes in the course of nervous and psychosomatic conditions. 4. Toxaemia of pregnancy, which is a common complication of parturition, involves the nervous system, 5. Childbirth is an important psychological event per se as is seen by its influence on the male associated with it, 6. A group of normal mothers studied in two maternity hospitals showed conceptual impairment, and associated hysterical and depressive traits and heightened siiggestibilitir in the puerperium. 7. A group of parapartum neurotics studied in out-patients departments and mental hospitals had predominantly hysterical and depressive reactions to chronic interpersonal difficulties no longer contained by the weakened integration associated with the parapartum period. A history of neuropathy in childhood, of frigidity since marriage, and a tainted family history was frequently found. 8. a group of parapartum psychotics of low average intelli- gence had predominantly confusional, depressive and catatonic reactions to physical difficulties in parturition. A tainted family history was found equally commonly but psychological problems were relatively infrequently discovered
