Knowledge is Power! Postpartum Facts

Knowledge Is Power!

Postpartum Mental Health Facts

Did you know?

20-30% of women will experience some type of postpartum depression.

Men can also get postpartum depression.

50% of women who have postpartum depression were symptomatic during pregnancy.

Previous history of mental health increases your chances of having a postpartum mood disorder.

Baby Blues is not the same as Postpartum Depression.

There are 4 types of Postpartum Mood Disorders.

The Baby Blues

Occurs in 75-80% of postpartum women.

Onset starts 2-3 days after birth and peaks on day 7-10.

First time moms are at a higher risk.

Symptoms may include fatigue, weepiness, anxiety, sadness, feeling lonely, feeling overwhelmed. Mothers state it feels like an “emotional roller coaster.”

It usually does not require professional treatment and lasts about 2 weeks.

When It’s More- Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Postpartum Panic Disorder and Postpartum Psychosis

Call your care professional when you experience the following symptoms for longer than 2 weeks. Call immediately if you experience feelings of hurting yourself or others.

Create a postpartum action plan!

Postpartum Depression

Occurs in 15% of Postpartum women.

Mothers that have experienced depression in the past, during pregnancy, had a relative that had PPD, lack of support, experienced a stressful life event during pregnancy or after are at a higher risk of getting PPD.

Without treatment PPD can last for months or even years.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression include but not limited to are:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, empty, or overwhelmed

• Crying more often than usual or for no apparent reason
• Worrying or feeling overly anxious
• Feeling moody, irritable, or restless
• Sleep problems. Too much or Too little.
• Having trouble concentrating
• Anger
• Lost interest in activities
• Eating too little or too much
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Having trouble bonding with baby
• Persistently doubting her ability to care for her baby
• Thinking about harming herself or her baby.

Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Occurs in 2-3% of postpartum women.

POCD is under reported due to the symptoms being horrifying or embarassing. Mothers also fear professionals may think she puts her children at risk.

Symptoms include repetitive thoughts, compulsions(although not always) and horror over the thoughts.

The most common obsessions are harming or killing the baby, losing control, germs and going crazy.

Postpartum Panic Disorder

Occurs in 10% of postpartum women.

Symptoms include feelings of extreme anxiety and recurring panic attacks, including shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, agitation, and excessive worry or fears.

Common fears are losing control, going crazy and dying.

Postpartum Psychosis

Is very rare and occurs in approximately .1% of postpartum women. Onset is sudden and typically happens within the first 4 weeks.

Risk factors for postpartum psychosis are, a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, or a previous psychotic episode.

Symptoms of postpartum psychosis can include:

• Delusions or strange beliefs
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
• Feeling very irritated
• Hyperactivity
• Decreased need for or inability to sleep
• Paranoia and suspicion 
• Rapid mood swings
• Difficulty communicating at times

There is a 5% infanticide or suicide rate associated with the illness.

GET HELP IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS.

Postpartum Counseling

The Postpartum Stress Center Bryn Mawr, PA

(610) 525-7527 www.postpartumstress.com

The Center for Postpartum Depression Philadelphia, PA

(215) 247-2114 www.postpartumcenter.com