HealthPartners - Your guide to pregnancy

PREGNANCY CHALLENGES During the perinatal period, there are a number of different mental health issues that could come up anytime. In addition to physical and hormonal changes, you might also face health challenges during your pregnancy or complications with the birth. Becoming a parent is also a time of personal, social, and role changes. Any of these issues can affect your emotions and your mental health, putting you at risk for developing a mood or anxiety disorder. This risk is greater from conception through the first year, because of the hormone changes related to pregnancy, birth, lactation, and resuming menstrual periods. The perinatal period is the most likely time for parents to first make contact with the mental health system.

WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP The good news is that mood and emotional changes are usually temporary and can be treated , often with a combination of self-care, social support, talk therapy, and sometimes medication. One way to start feeling more confident and relaxed when you first know you’re pregnant is to learn as much as you can about pregnancy and child care. Going to childbirth classes, reading books, watching videos, talking to others, and using helpful pregnancy apps can also help. Although mild mood swings are pretty common in the perinatal period, these changes become so powerful for some people that they begin to interfere with everyday life. If you have feelings of depression (sadness or hopelessness) or anxiety (worry or fear) for more than 2 weeks or you have trouble doing daily activities, ask for some help. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are treatable with professional help. If you feel you are suffering from any of these illnesses, know that it is not your fault and you are not to blame. Talk to your health care provider right away about what treatment options are right for you. For more information about PMADs, visit Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net , or call the helpline at 800-944-4773 . You can also text 503-894-9453 (English) or 971-420-0294 (Español).

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS Depression and anxiety are the most common perinatal emotional health issues, especially if you already have other things in your life that put you at higher risk for developing a PMAD. These risks can include: • A personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or postpartum depression • A diagnosed premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMS • Not enough help and support with caring for your baby • Problems with money or personal relationships • Complications with your pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding • A recent major life event, like a job or personal loss or having to move • You are pregnant with more than 1 baby (multiples) • Your baby is at risk of being in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) • You’ve had fertility treatments, a thyroid imbalance, or any type of diabetes

Mild Mood Swings … or More? It’s normal for feelings and emotions to change quickly when you’re pregnant. Scary thoughts or moods that interfere with daily activities may become a problem. Talk to your health care provider and ask about treatment options right away.

AFTER THE BABY COMES Many of the same risks that contribute to the onset of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can also cause unexpected negative emotions and mood swings during the postpartum period — defined as the first 6 weeks after you have your baby. The most common postpartum mental health issue is called “ baby blues .” It typically affects about 70 80% of all new parents and starts a few days after they give birth. The baby blues usually last from a few days up to a few weeks. For more information about baby blues and other postpartum emotional changes and challenges, check out the “Postpartum Emotions” chapter beginning on page 61.

Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy

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