A Three Part Series by Christy Medeiros
Part Two
It Is Not All About Depression
Postpartum Blues
anxiety
tearfulness
irritability
insomnia
fearfulness
restlessness
emotional instability
hormonal changes after delivery
85% of new moms
3-4 days after delivery
resolved within 2 weeks of delivery
Postpartum OCD
repetitive, upsetting and unwanted thoughts or mental images (obsessions)
need to do certain things over and over (compulsions) to reduce the anxiety
timeline varies
Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
PPTSD is often caused by a traumatic or frightening childbirth, and symptoms may include flashbacks of the trauma with feelings of anxiety and the need to avoid things related to that event. Time line varies. Subsequent pregnancies may trigger this (aqain).
Postpartum Anxiety
panic attacks
shortness of breath
chest pain
dizziness
a feeling of losing control
numbness and tingling
timeline may vary
Postpartum Depression
anxiety
sadness
extreme irritability
difficulty sleeping
panic attacks
obsessive-compulsive behaviour
intrusive thoughts (possibly of harming the baby)
history of depression
history of postpartum depression
stressful events within the last year
weak support system
social challenges (abusive relationship, financial challenges, etc.)
10-15% of new moms
2 weeks to within 6 months after delivery
approximately 6 months, with treatment
Postpartum Psychosis
- (intermittent) confusion and cognitive impairment
- coming in and out of consciousness
- extremely disorganized behaviour
- mania
- hallucinations or delusions
- suicidal thoughts
- history of bipolar disorder
- 0.1-0.2% (1-2 in 1000) of new moms
- sudden, rapid and dramatic
- within days, or weeks of delivery
- requires treatment
- 2 to 12 weeks for the worst symptoms
- 6 to 12 months for full recovery
If you notice any symptoms of Postpartum Mood Disorders in yourself or your partner, please reach out to your care provider. Helpful information and a list of resources can be found at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.
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