Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression affects 13% of mothers in the first year postpartum. Mothers usually feel unworthy to raise their children. It can have moderate to severe symptoms with a protracted course. Women have risk factors for depression. They may receive treatment.
- Signs and symptoms
- Excessive guilt
- Anxiety
- Anhedonia
- Depressed mood
- Insomnia/hypersomnia
- Suicidal ideation
- Fatigue
Psychosis with onset during pregnancy (Puerperal psychosis)
Postpartum/puerperal psychosis affects 0.01% (1 in 500) of mothers in the first 3 months postpartum. This is a psychiatric emergency since these women are a danger to themselves and their children and need to be hospitalized for treatment. Higher genetic loading for schizophrenia. The pregnancy and birth may be the first stressor
- Signs and symptoms
- Mixed or rapid cycling
- Agitation
- Delusions
- Hallucination
- Disorganized behavior
- Cognitive impairment
- Low insight
Postpartum Blues
Postpartum blues affect 50-85% of mothers in the first 2 weeks postpartum. It is due to fluctuating hormone levels. It is normal and is not considered a psychiatric condition. Mild and spontaneously remits. In the obstetrics and paediatric wards, it is important to ask the mother how she is feeling (especially in the first 2 weeks postpartum)
- Signs and symptoms
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Fluctating mood
- Increased emotional reactivity.
