Pregnancy can be an exciting time in a woman’s life, but it can also bring challenges. According to the CDC, depression, and anxiety are the most common complications in pregnancy and postpartum, with one in five women being affected by mental health disorders. Many women experience the “baby blues” after giving birth, and one out of eight women will progress to depression. Symptoms of depression are more intense, and long-lasting, and can interfere with daily activities and baby bonding. While we often hear stories of extreme consequences of postpartum depression, such as suicide, many women do suffer symptoms in silence.
“While shame and guilt have an important role in women not sharing their symptoms, it is essential that women feel safe to express any mood symptoms early on,” said Sacha Lewis, MD, Assistant Area Medical Director, Women’s Health Services in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Kaiser Permanente Riverside. Untreated peripartum depression, just before giving birth, has been associated with poorer pregnancy outcomes, issues with baby bonding, and poorer cognitive and psychological outcomes for the children.
Dr. Lewis adds: “Maternal suicide deaths, while very rare, are one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the postpartum period. For these reasons, seeking support at the first sign of symptoms is imperative. Understanding the normalcy of feeling sad, anxious, or depressed postpartum is essential so women feel safe asking for help.” The American Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecology recommends screening for depression at the initial prenatal visit, later in pregnancy and again in the postpartum phase.
If you think you may have anxiety or depression, finding help is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Treatment can help you have a healthier pregnancy, take better care of your baby, and improve the long-term health of you and your child.
“Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be a very stressful time, but when symptoms become severe and interfere with regular daily activities, this can signal something more is happening and that it’s time to seek help,” said Ashley Zucker, MD, a psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente in San Bernardino. Postpartum depression is treatable with therapy and medications and many medications are safe to take both during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.
Pregnancy and childbirth can be a vulnerable time in your life. It is important to recognize the potential for postpartum depression, the symptoms, and the availability of help. Do the best you can and give yourself time to adjust to your new baby (and some major lifestyle changes).
You may not be sure how to get help for coping with these common challenges. Talk with your doctor about how you are feeling. You and your doctor should discuss treatment options and the best path for you.