Maternal Mental Health

The intensity of caring for a newborn is undoubtedly overwhelming, and as a new mom, you may quickly realize that your mental health is a necessity. By educating yourself on the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, you are more likely to obtain the necessary support before it becomes a larger issue.

What is a perinatal mood disorder?

A perinatal mood disorder is more than the “baby blues” (which occur for about 2 weeks post-birth due to hormonal rebalancing). Perinatal mood disorders include various conditions that affect women during the later parts of pregnancy and anytime within 2 years of giving birth.

Types of Perinatal Mood Disorders

Signs and Symptoms

Pregnancy or Postpartum Depression (PPD)

• Feelings of anger or irritability

• Appetite and sleep disturbances

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

• Crying and sadness

• Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety

• Racing thoughts

• Constant worry

• Feeling that something bad is going to happen

• Physical symptoms like nausea, hot flashes and dizziness

• Inability to sit still

• Disturbances of sleep and appetite

Pregnancy and Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Obsessions, also called intrusive thoughts, which are persistent, upsetting, repetitive thoughts or mental images related to the baby.

• Compulsions, where the mom may do certain things over and over again to reduce her fears and obsessions.

• A sense of horror about the obsessions

• Hypervigilance in protecting the baby

Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• P-PTSD is triggered by a traumatic event or events during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or postpartum. 

• Intrusive flashbacks or nightmares

• Depression and anxiety

• Sleep disturbances

• Exaggerated startle response

• Distancing themselves from reminders of trauma

Postpartum Psychosis

• Rare and needs immediate intervention

• It occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries, or approximately .1 -.2% of births.

• The onset is usually sudden, most often within the first 2 weeks postpartum.

• Rapid mood swings'

• Hallucinations

• Delusions or strange beliefs

• Hyperactivity

• Irritability

• Decreased need for sleep

• Paranoia or suspiciousness

• Difficulty communicating

Getting Support

Postpartum Support international (www.postpartum.net) has a postpartum psychosis coordinator to provide assistance to women and families who are not in an emergency situation. Contact Felice Reddy at 919-213-0537 or by email at felicereddyphd@gmail.com

Resources

Postpartum Support International. www.postpartum.net