Conditions
PERINATAL MOOD DISORDERS
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
While every experience is different, having a baby is a significant life event. Much like the physical changes we go through during pregnancy, there may be many emotional changes that come with each trimester. While it’s a time of joy, excitement and many firsts, it can also come with a degree of anxiety or ‘ups and downs’ in mood. Although it is normal to experience these emotions when expecting a baby, some of us do develop more intense levels of anxiety or lowered moods which can impact our daily lives. When this occurs during pregnancy it is known as antenatal anxiety or antenatal depression.
Perinatal mood disorders affect parents during pregnancy and the postpartum period. 1 in 5 expectant mothers experience perinatal depression or anxiety. 1 in 20 expectant fathers experience depression. These conditions are treatable with proper support.
Signs Of Perinatal Depression
Persistent worry about the health or wellbeing of your baby
Constantly feeling low, hopeless or empty
Sudden mood swings
Common sadness or crying (for no obvious reason)
Nervousness or constant panic
Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours (e.g., unwanted thoughts relating to harming your baby)
Shortness of breath
Low energy
Bad sleeps
Feeling ‘detached’ from your surroundings
Suicidal thoughts or behaviours
What Causes Perinatal Mood Disorder?
A pre-existing history of anxiety and/or depression
Previous reproductive loss (infertility, IVF, miscarriage, t
A difficult or complex pregnancy
Birth trauma
Premature or sick baby
Challenges with feeding or settling
Sleep deprivation
Pre-existing physical illnesses
Financial stress
Relationship stress
Almost 10% of women experience depression during pregnancy; this increases to 16% in the first 3 months after birth.
Causes and Risk Factors
History of anxiety or depression
Reproductive loss (miscarriage, IVF)
Difficult pregnancy or complications
Sleep deprivation
Financial or relationship stress
Lack of social support
Major hormonal changes
Traumatic birth
Self-Care Strategies
Exposure to sunlight (10-15 minutes daily)
Moderate physical activity (20-30 minutes daily)
Prioritizing sleep when possible
Maintaining social connections
Accepting help from loved ones
Professional specialist consultation
Our Therapeutic Approach
Specialized assessment for perinatal disorders
Cognitive-behavioral orientation and focus adapted for the perinatal period
Support for creating the mother-child bond
Relaxation and mindfulness techniques for managing anxiety
Couples counseling for the transition to parenthood
Planning for relapse prevention
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