MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

RELATED CONDITIONS The physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, labor, and childbirth can trigger new mental health issues as well as aggravate preexisting conditions. This section offers a brief look at other mental health conditions that may develop or recur during the perinatal period. If symptoms interfere with your daily activities, don’t hesitate to share them with your health care provider. Perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) centered around the baby or the birthing process. New parents with a personal or family history of obsessive-compulsive behaviors are at highest risk of developing or aggravating OCD. If symptoms become SEVERE, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room. Perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is typically caused by a traumatic complication or event before, during, or after your baby’s birth or feeling powerless or unsupported during the birth. People who experienced a previous trauma (including rape or sexual abuse) are also at higher risk of PTSD.

TREATMENT & SUPPORT Mental health challenges are not uncommon during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum (recovery) period. Your spouse/partner may also have emotional ups and downs or develop a more serious mental health condition. What to remember • Mental health issues are not your fault , and you are not to blame! • You should never feel ashamed about receiving any type of medical care. • Help and support are readily available when you reach out and ask for it.

Signs & Symptoms

• Flashbacks of the traumatic event • Irritability, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance

• Exaggerated startle response • Anxiety and/or panic attacks • Sense of unreality and detachment

• Calling your health care provider to share your concerns is the best place to start. • There are effective treatments available including counseling and medications. To Learn More

Bipolar mood disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings between mania (high energy and euphoria) and depression (low mood and lethargy). In fact, 50% of women with bipolar disorder are first diagnosed in the postpartum period.

• The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential, and here to help, 24/7. CALL or TEXT at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). • For basic information, support, and resources, call or text Postpartum Support International (PSI) . Please note that the PSI help line does not handle emergency calls or texts.

Signs & Symptoms

• Can be like those of severe depression or anxiety • Severe episodes of mania or depression may lead to psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations or delusions • Extreme high or low moods for longer than 4 days, hallucinations, or delusions present a high risk and must be treated immediately

BY PHONE at 800-944-4773. Select #1 en Espanol or #2 for English

BY TEXT at 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (en Espanol)

ONLINE at postpartum.net for helpful information and local support

In an Emergency If you experience a mental health crisis and need immediate help from a trained professional: • Call 911 or your local emergency response number • Dial 988 to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline • Text HOME to 741741 to reach the National Crisis Text Line from anywhere in the USA, at any time, about any type of crisis

IF SYMPTOMS ARE SEVERE, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care