Kootenai Health

Coeur d`Alene, North Idaho, Washington, Montana, Spokane

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Perinatal Mental Health

What is Perinatal Mental Health?

  • Perinatal mental health refers to all mental health issues during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Symptoms can range from mild to severe; there can be new-onset of symptoms or worsening of preexisting conditions.
  • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMADs)­­­—including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, mania, and psychosis­­­­­­­— are among the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth. It is estimated that at least 1 in 7 women who are pregnant or give birth experience PMADs and the numbers may be even higher in women with elevated risk factors.
  • PMADs can occur at any time during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Without treatment, PMADs can have significant impacts on mothers, fathers, infants, other family members, and communities, but with appropriate and timely intervention- full recovery is possible.  There are a variety of evidence-based, safe, effective treatments available for PMADs, including, but not limited to: counseling (psychotherapy), support groups, lifestyle interventions, and medications.
  • Common symptoms of PMADs include:
    • Feeling sad or depressed
    • Feeling irritable or short-tempered
    • Feeling extremely worried or panicky
    • Changes in appetite (too much, or too little)
    • Changes in sleep (can’t sleep, feel like you don’t need to sleep)
    • Intrusive, scary, or uncomfortable thoughts
    • Feeling out of control
    • Difficulty bonding with baby
    • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
    • Difficulty with thinking, or feeling that things aren’t ‘real’
    • Worry about hurting yourself or your baby
  • Many women have mild mood changes (anxiety, mood swings, tearfulness) in the first 2 weeks after delivery. This is normal and called the Baby Blues.  If symptoms do not improve, are severe, or worsen, you are likely experiencing PMADs and need to get help.

Where Can I Get Help?

  • The best place to start is with your OB, Certified Nurse Midwife, or Primary Care Provider. Let them know that you are struggling and need support.  They can often start treatment and/or help lead you in the right direction. 
  • Kootenai Clinic OB-GYN offers psychiatric consultations and medication management by a psychiatric nurse practitioner who is certified in Maternal Mental Health, (208) 625-4970.
  • If you are in the hospital, please let your nurses know and ask to speak with the social worker. She can provide assessment and support and point you in the right direction for when you leave the hospital.
  • Kootenai Health offers the Mommy and Me Social Hour
  • There is now a National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: call or text: 1-833-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746)
  • If you are suicidal, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
  • There are many online resources for information and support. Make sure you are using reputable sources.  We recommend:
    • Postpartum Support International (PSI): postpartum.net
      • Offers online specialty support groups, loss and grief resources, and education
      • Online provider directory can help you find a mental health professional in your area who specializes in PMADs
    • 2020mom: 2020mom.org
      • Offers education and advocacy
    • MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health: womensmentalhealth.org
      • Up-to-date reviews of the scientific evidence around PMADs and their treatment
    • Please remember that you are not alone and there is support available to help you feel better.
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