HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY When the “blues” last more than 2 weeks and get worse instead of better, you may have postpartum depression or anxiety. Many of the signs and symptoms are the same as those of postpartum blues, but they are more severe or intense. This is common. Postpartum depressive symptoms can appear any time during the first few months to 1 year after you give birth. About 1 or 2 out of every 10 people who give birth will suffer from them. These feelings and experiences may lead you to either become possessive of or avoid your baby. This can pose a risk to the baby’s physical and emotional safety. If left untreated, the symptoms can last up to a year. The good news is that there are several treatment options and people who get treatment usually respond very well. If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum blues, depression, or anxiety, please reach out to your health care provider and ask for help.

WARNING

Contact your health care provider if you experience: • Loss of identity • Complete loss of control • Feelings of withdrawal, isolation, and loneliness • Change in appetite (either undereating or overeating) • Exhaustion, but are unable to sleep • Feelings of hopelessness, a sense of failure, or guilt • Mood swings, constant crying, anxiety, or doubt • Difficulty sleeping, sleeping too much, or nightmares • Lack of interest in yourself, your baby, or others • Irrational concerns about cleanliness, germs, or the baby • Feeling like you need to keep moving or pacing • Difficulty focusing or concentrating

POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS When compared to the rates of postpartum depression or anxiety, postpartum psychosis is rare. It occurs in approximately 1 or 2 out of every 1,000 people who give birth. The onset is typically very fast, usually within 3 to 14 days after having the baby. Not every person will have every symptom. And the symptoms can vary and change quickly. Warning! If a new parent has any of these symptoms, take them to the closest emergency room. DO NOT leave them alone with the baby: • Can’t remember how to do things they’ve done in the past • Appears to be extremely confused • Has a lot of energy and racing thoughts, can’t sleep • Has strange feelings, like something is crawling on them • Hears or sees things no one else does • Feels like someone else is controlling them • Appears very restless and agitated • Has a rapid or nonsense speech pattern • Doesn’t like how they feel and may be afraid • Has thoughts of harming themself or their baby

If you have some of these symptoms, don’t be afraid to be open and honest about how you’re feeling. Your health care provider can connect you with therapy, support groups, and other resources that can help you get better. You are not alone; there is help if you ask for it.

98 Your Guide to Labor and Birth