A psychiatrist at Sharp Health, Elizabeth Hudler, recently shed light on the prevalence of mood disorders that women commonly experience after childbirth. She emphasized the importance of vigilance for signs indicative of these conditions.
Hudler noted, "Most new moms experience ‘baby blues,’ which commonly include mood swings, crying spells and difficulty sleeping, usually beginning within the first two to three days after delivery and potentially lasting for up to two weeks." She added, "However, some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression."
Postpartum depression is a condition that arises following childbirth. It manifests through symptoms such as intense irritability, insomnia, feelings of hopelessness, difficulties in bonding with the baby, panic attacks and extreme loss of energy. This condition is now more frequently referred to as perinatal depression because symptoms can develop even before giving birth. This information was shared in a news release from Sharp Health.
Perinatal depression affects approximately fifteen percent of women. However, it is not the sole mood disorder associated with pregnancy. Hudler explained: "There are many disorders beyond the more well-known postpartum depression that can also affect moms during the perinatal period, including conditions ranging from anxiety to psychosis. Everyone’s bodies and responses are different, so I encourage families to be mindful of perinatal mental health and to know the signs and symptoms." This insight was shared in a news release from Sharp Health.
The conditions women may encounter during and after pregnancy extend beyond perinatal depression. They include perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder, postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Hudler said: "Examples of trauma include but are not limited to the baby going to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), an unplanned c-section or severe complications. Women with PTSD may experience flashbacks or nightmares, panic attacks, feeling a sense of detachment, or intrusive re-experiencing of the event." This information was shared in a news release from Sharp Health.
Hudler underscored the importance of monitoring for persistent symptoms of mood disorders post-pregnancy. She stated: "These conditions are treatable with professional help and should not be avoided due to a fear of stigma. Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important and are vital steps towards hope and healing." This advice was shared in a news release from Sharp Health.
