Signs and Symptoms

Baby blues, a term used by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), affects up to 80% of mothers, includes feelings that are somewhat mild, last a week or two, and go away on their own. However, a woman with PMADs might experience extreme feelings of sadness and anxiety which might interfere with her ability to care for herself or her family. PMADs include postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postpartum psychosis. It is important to know when your experience is more than the “baby blues” and requires further assessment and treatment. Learn about signs and symptoms below.

Anxiety

Although mood changes are common during and after pregnancy, recent research has shown that about 10% of postpartum moms suffer from clinical anxiety.

Depression

Perinatal depression is a mood disorder than can affect women during and after pregnancy.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed of the perinatal disorders.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Approximately 1 – 6% of women experience postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a rare illness, compared to the rates of postpartum depression or anxiety. It occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries, or approximately .1% of births and needs immediate care.

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