Perinatal Mental Health
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
The perinatal period is defined as the time from conception through the first year after birth. While pregnancy and the postpartum period can be filled with joy and excitement, they can also bring significant emotional, psychological, and physical challenges. Mental health concerns during this time are common, treatable, and deserving of compassionate care.
Every year, more than 400,000 infants are born to mothers experiencing depression, making perinatal depression one of the most underdiagnosed obstetric complications in the United States.
Prevalence of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) affect many families:
- Approximately 1 in 5 to 7 women experience a PMAD during pregnancy or the postpartum period.
- Approximately 1 in 10 men also experience mental health challenges related to the transition to parenthood.
Mental health symptoms can emerge during pregnancy, immediately after birth, or anytime during the first year postpartum.
Common Perinatal Mental Health Conditions
Perinatal Depression
Perinatal depression symptoms may differ for each person but can include: persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, irritability, or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Symptoms can occur during pregnancy or after delivery and may impact daily functioning, relationships, and bonding with a baby.
Perinatal Anxiety
Perinatal anxiety is characterized by symptoms that might include excessive worry, racing thoughts, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, physical symptoms could include nausea or dizziness, rage, and persistent fears about the health and safety of oneself or the baby.
Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Perinatal OCD may include intrusive, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals intended to reduce anxiety. These thoughts can be distressing, come suddenly and often do not reflect a parent's intentions or desires. These obsessions often are surrounding the health and safety of the pregnancy and/or the baby.
Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Some individuals experience trauma related to pregnancy, childbirth, fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, medical complications, or previous traumatic experiences. Some potentially traumatic perinatal events include emergency c section, postpartum hemorrhage, stillbirth, unexpected NICU admission, 3rd or 4th degree lacerations. Symptoms may include flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance, and emotional distress.
Bipolar Mood Disorders
Pregnancy and the postpartum period can affect the course of bipolar disorder. Research shows that 50% of women with bipolar disorder are first diagnosed in the postpartum period. Symptoms may include periods of depression as well as episodes of elevated mood, increased energy, impulsivity, or decreased need for sleep.
Perinatal/Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health emergency that typically occurs within the first few weeks after childbirth. Postpartum psychosis occurs in 1 to 2 out of every 1000 deliveries. Symptoms may include confusion, delusions, hallucinations, severe mood changes, and disorganized thinking. Immediate medical attention is required if these symptoms are present.
Help Is Available
You do not have to navigate these challenges alone.
At Midwest Therapy Partners, we are pleased to offer specialized perinatal mental health services. Our practice includes a clinician who has received advanced training in perinatal mental health and holds a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C). We are committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care for individuals and families during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
If you would like to learn more about our perinatal mental health services, we invite you to contact Midwest Therapy Partners for a free consultation.