Perinatal Depression
Perinatal depression is a form of depression that occurs during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth. Many women experience the “baby blues” a few days after giving birth, which can include feeling worried or down. Although these feelings are common, significant symptoms that persist over time may be signs of postpartum depression or perinatal depression.
SIgns and SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of perinatal depression may be over looked, and viewed as just part of pregnancy. However, these symptoms can be serious, and it is important to treat them as such. The signs and symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Sleep problems
- Feeling low on energy
- Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
- Anxiety
- Uncontrollable crying
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Changes in eating habits, leading to weight loss or gain
Causes
Perinatal depression can happen as a result of hormone changes during or after pregnancy. The hormone changes are typically strongest during the weeks before and after birth. These changes are linked to parts of the brain associated with depression.
Treatment
It is important to create a plan that works for you. Treatment vary but plans commonly include:
- Support groups
- Psychotherapy
- Medication
- Light therapy
Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES
- To learn more we recommend contacting your midwife and health care provider.
- To read more, the following resources are suggested:
- 211 – Perinatal: https://uwc.211ct.org/perinatal-depression-postpartum-depression/
- NAMI – More than the “Baby Blues”: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2019/Beyond-the-Baby-Blues-Depression-During-and-After-Pregnancy
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