Signs & Symptoms of
Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
Although many women experience emotional shifts during pregnancy and after childbirth, some women are not aware that they may need to reach out for help. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) can range from mild to severe. They are caused by changes in hormones, the stress of labor and delivery, sleeplessness, and the normal stress associated with caring for a newborn.
Baby blues, as these feelings have commonly been called, can be a mix of mild depression with happier feelings and impact 75 - 80% of new moms. However, PMADs can either present or progress toward Pregnancy/Postpartum Depression, Pregnancy/Postpartum Anxiety, and even Postpartum Psychosis.
Baby Blues
A general term used to describe the swing of joy to sadness is not uncommon in new moms and usually begins 2-3 days postpartum and may include:
Sadness/Crying Spells
Fatigue/Exhaustion
Trouble Sleeping
Feeling Overwhelmed
Nervous/Anxious
Trouble Coping
Pregnancy/Postpartum
Depression
Some women experience depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression (PPD) after delivery. These symptoms include those of baby blues as well as
Anger, fear and/or feelings of guilt
Thoughts of inadequacy as a person/mother
Changes in appetite
Cloudy thinking/trouble making decisions
Feeling isolated from others and disconnected from the baby
Possible suicidal thoughts
Pregnancy/Postpartum
Anxiety
Some women will experience an anxiety disorder that may present as one of the following:
Panic Disorder:
Feeling nervous, afraid, having recurring panic attacks
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:
Intrusive thoughts and images, compulsions, obsessions
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:
As a result of birth experience, suppressing memories, anxiety, fears
Postpartum Psychosis
Few women (1-2 of every 1,000) will experience sudden psychotic symptoms and will require immediate hospitalization to protect the mother and baby. These symptoms are:
Delusions and hallucinations
Extreme irritability, agitation Trouble sleeping
Sudden mood or personality changes
Poor decision making