Perinatal mood
and anxiety disorders

Perinatal mood
and anxiety disorders

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD)

The postpartum time period can be one of the most joyful and yet challenging times in a woman’s life. The happy anticipation of caring for a new baby is sometimes met with more difficult realities. Joy can be accompanied by exhaustion. Hormones change drastically and routines are disrupted. Hope Resource Center wants to help you understand and equip you for the mood changes that may happen following the birth of your baby. You will also need to have information about what’s considered “normal” and be able to identify mood changes that may be concerning and require medical treatment.

The “Baby Blues”

“Baby Blues” is a term that describes the mood changes that are common and influenced by the hormonal changes that follow the birth of your baby.

Up to 85% of women will experience the baby blues, which are mild and usually start around 4-5 days after delivery. Symptoms may include weepiness, moodiness or irritability. Baby blues always resolve by 2 weeks after delivery.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (also known as PMADs) include postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and in severe cases, postpartum psychosis.

Unlike Baby blues, a PMAD is a clinical disorder that usually requires treatment. It is more severe, lasts longer, and can be life threatening if not treated quickly and properly. It usually occurs in the first 3-4 months postpartum, but it can start anytime within the first 12 months postpartum. A PMAD affects a person’s ability to function, interferes with relationships and jobs, and may affect how you care for your baby. Around 15% of women will experience postpartum depression, and around 10% of women experience postpartum anxiety. Often, the two can occur at the same time.

Certain risk factors can increase your chances of having a PMAD. Some of these risk factors may include:

having a personal or family history of mental illness; having a PMAD in the past; experiencing a stressful life event, such as job loss, death of a loved one, or a difficult breakup; not having enough emotional support or financial resources during your pregnancy; being a victim of domestic violence, including emotional abuse; medical complications for you or your baby during or after pregnancy; having multiple babies; having breastfeeding or other feeding problems, such as difficulty latching or a colichy baby; and history of thyroid problems or diabetes.

There are a variety of symptoms that you may experience with a PMAD. While the symptoms of depression and anxiety are very different, some women experience both at the same time.

You may have postpartum depression if you are having:

Feelings of anger; irritability; lack of interest in the baby; appetite changes; sleep disturbance, which could include sleeping too little or sleeping too much; frequent crying and constant sadness; feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness; no longer enjoying the things that you used to enjoy, such as hobbies and activities; and thoughts of harming the baby or yourself.

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety include:

Constant worry; feeling that something bad is going to happen; racing thoughts; insomnia; change in appetite; the inability to sit still; dizziness, hot flashes, nausea, or heart palpitations, and panic attacks.

One of the most important things you need to know about PMADs is that there are many treatment options available.  

 

Always call your healthcare provider if you think you are experiencing a PMAD. Your provider will most likely ask you to complete a screening, known as the EPDS screening, and talk to you further about your symptoms.  

 

Your healthcare provider may decide that medication is needed to help you heal. There are multiple medications available and many that are safe while breastfeeding. Never start or stop taking any medication without talking to your provider first. Not all medicines have the same impact on every person, so if one medication does not help, there may be another one that does. Do not give up!  

 

And remember do not self medicate with alcohol, marijuana, prescription pain medications or other drugs. 

 

Counseling is a very important treatment option during this time period. Counseling has so much to offer–from helping you process your emotions to teaching you new coping techniques. Support groups are also helpful during this season. Don’t forget to reach out to family members and friends to build a strong support system.  

 

It’s important during the postpartum period to exercise, eat healthy and have good sleep habits–get as much rest as you can. Sleeping is vital for your mental health.   

While we hope every woman that experiences a PMAD recovers smoothly, it’s important to talk about warning signs for worsening or urgent symptoms.  

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 

If you are thinking about hurting yourself or your baby, please call 911, the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to the nearest emergency room. With the right treatment, you will feel well again.  

At HOPE, we provide a PMAD education class during our parenting program for first-time moms. We also offer a postpartum support group for the moms who graduate from class. If you are experiencing a PMAD–reach out, we are here to help!

Call 865-525-4673 to request a cost-free appointment at Hope Resource Center today.