Perinatal Mental Health

Postpartum Support International reports that 15% of all women will experience depression after childbirth, and as many as 10% of women will have anxiety or depression disorders during pregnancy. Postpartum depression was the term formerly used to describe mood disorders associated with pregnancy. Perinatal refers to the period of time from conception until the child turns one year old, so perinatal mood disorders is a more accurate description.

Mood disorders that are commonly experienced during the perinatal period are anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive, panic, and post traumatic stress disorders.

When a woman becomes pregnant, hormone levels in her body increase drastically in response to the growing fetus. After childbirth the estrogen and progesterone levels drop rapidly, and are lower than preconception levels. Additionally there are chemical changes in the body of the mother as she prepares to produce milk.

Perinatal mental disorders can occur during pregnancy, after child birth, after an abortion or miscarriage, or after the cessation of breast feeding.

The symptoms of perinatal mood disorders include sleeping too much or difficulty sleeping, appetite changes, irritability, anger, nervousness, or exhaustion. The mother may feel an inability to enjoy life, express a lack of interest in the baby, friends or family. There may be a marked disinterest in sex, suicidal thoughts, or thoughts about harming the baby. Many women with this type of disorder report crying, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and feel as if they are or will be bad mothers.

The Endinberg Post-natal Depression Scale, or EPDS, is a self-test in which you answer questions based on how you have felt for the previous seven days. If the score is greater than a 10, it is suggested that you consult your physician to discuss the results.

The most severe perinatal mood disorder is postpartum psychosis. Women with this disorder suffer from delusions, irritation, hyperactivity, mood swings and very often exhibit poor judgment. Women experiencing any of these symptoms should seek help immediately.

Pharmacological treatment benefits need to be compared to the risk involved. Many medications used to treat mood disorders can have serious side effects. The fetus may be exposed to the side effects in utero, or later from breast milk. Psychotherapy should be considered for less severe mental illnesses.

In addition to psychotherapy, or in severe cases, medication, women experiencing perinatal mood disorders can take some measures to help themselves.

Remind yourself that the way you feel is not your fault. By reading educational perinatal mood disorder material during times of stress, you may be able to understand the chemical cause, and that it can be helped.

Exercise may help you to cope with the disorder. It has been considered as a natural anti-depressant.

Surround yourself with supportive people. Support groups for mothers with perinatal mood disorders will give you a chance to discuss your problems in an understanding and accepting environment.

Get plenty of rest. Try sleeping when the baby is sleeping, or enlist the help of family.

Talk to your spouse or partner about how you are feeling.

Don't try to handle everything alone, ask for help when you need it.

Avoid comparing yourself to other moms, the pregnancy and birth experience is different for everyone.

Try not to spend long periods of time alone.

Leave the baby with your spouse or trusted babysitter and go do things that you enjoy. Shopping, a movie, or just a cup of coffee with friends can give you a much deserved break.

Realize that there is hope. With the right treatment and support, you will feel normal again.