Broadlawns Medical Center Preparing for the Storm: Mental Health during Pregnancy and Postpartum The perinatal period (pregnancy and the year postpartum) is unlike any other time in a person’s life. Our medical systems place a significant emphasis on the expectant parents’ physical health. Parents attend routine checkups, sonograms, and Doppler readings. They join baby care classes and read countless books to learn about the physical developments of this little person inside. However, like a side to the main dish, expectant parents’ mental health is often an afterthought. From wondering if baby is a boy or girl, to hair color, to what will life be like - how can we anticipate a mental health storm during the perinatal period? What are perinatal mood disorders? Perinatal mood disorders are mental health conditions that present in pregnancy and postpartum including depression, anxiety, OCD, panic, and bipolar disorders. What should mothers know about perinatal mood disorders? Perinatal mood disorders can happen to anyone and if you have a perinatal mood disorder, you are not alone! Studies show that up to 15% of mothers develop a mood disorder. Studies indicated that during the pandemic this number is closer to 30%. Perinatal mood disorders are temporary and treatable. Some symptoms include sadness, irritability, anger, rage, sleep disturbances (when you can sleep), feeling overwhelmed, appetite changes, mood swings, and exhaustion. Who is a higher risk of developing postpartum depression? Parents that have a biological predisposition or environmental factors are at an increased
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