Some emotional highs and lows come with being a new mother. The range of hormonal changes you experience can trigger what is known as postpartum disorders. Read on to learn more about maternal mental health conditions.

Your Mental Health During and After Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it’s normal to experience several bodily changes, from morning sickness to backaches and severe acid reflux. These changes result from specific alterations that affect hormonal levels, leading to an imbalance in regulating most bodily functions. These hormonal imbalances can directly impact neurotransmitters, which influence moods.

For instance, studies suggest that maternal stress can result in a drop in serotonin levels, which might increase the likelihood of anxiety, irritability and sadness levels. In worst-case scenarios, these changes can have long-lasting effects after pregnancy, causing what is commonly known as postpartum depression. However, it’s important to remember that these changes can be managed and postpartum depression can be effectively treated.

The Types of Postpartum Disorder

According to research, approximately 85% of women reportedly experience mood disturbances during pregnancy. However, most of these symptoms are temporary, and less than 15% are likely to develop more significant mental health symptoms after childbirth that require diagnosis and treatment. These maternal mental health illnesses can be categorised as follows:

Postpartum Blues (“Baby Blues”)

After childbirth, you might experience a range of overwhelming emotions, which can directly affect your mood swings. The “baby blues” are normal and can last for a few days or up to two weeks after delivery without requiring treatment from your healthcare provider.

Postpartum Depression

During your pregnancy and up until childbirth, you might notice an onset of depressive symptoms accompanied by severe anxiety. While they may be similar to “baby blues”, you will notice that they’re more intense and can disrupt your everyday activities. These symptoms can get worse if you don’t receive treatment, with some new mothers reporting having thoughts of harming their newborns.

Postpartum Psychosis

This is the most severe and rare form of several postpartum disorders that can develop within the first few weeks after childbirth. The most aggressive and notable symptom is losing touch with reality by experiencing delusions and hallucinations. Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical attention and treatment to reduce the potential risk of infanticide and suicide.

Causes and Symptoms of Postpartum Disorders

Drastic hormonal changes during pregnancy are the leading cause of mild to severe postpartum disorders. However, these are other factors that may play a significant role:

• Heightened negative and positive emotions during the pregnancy and after childbirth.
• A family history of postpartum depression.
• Being diagnosed with mental health disorders such as bipolar before pregnancy.
• Dealing with financial problems and a weak support system.
• Struggling with physical changes such as weight gain.

In most cases, the hormonal changes you experience right after childbirth might resemble depression, which usually eases after two weeks when you are not as overwhelmed about being a new mother. Postpartum depression can affect new mothers and mothers with more than one child. It’s important to be aware of these warning signs:

• Severe fatigue.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
• Unusual sadness and crying.
• Feeling hopeless.
• Losing touch with your friends and family.
• Feeling worthless and losing interest in things you used to enjoy.

Getting Help

Pregnancy and childbirth can be associated with emotional challenges that are worsened by the unrealistic expectations you might have about being a good mother.  If you don’t address them, they could also affect your baby. For instance, you might have trouble with establishing a connection with them.

The management and treatment of your symptoms depend on the type and severity. If you have postpartum blues or depression, your healthcare provider can recommend a combination of anti-anxiety, antidepressants or support group participation as a means of therapy. However, if you display symptoms associated with postpartum psychosis, you may be required to be admitted for supervised care.

Everyday Coping Strategies

Being a parent is a full-time job with many ups and downs. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed from time to time. However, if you notice that you might be experiencing a depressive episode, you should consider:

• A support group or online community with people who share similar experiences.
• Prioritising rest and self-care.
• Reaching out to your friends and family for emotional support.
• Therapy for expert guidance on how to navigate your complex emotions.
• Outsourcing someone to help with errands and household chores.

Even though postpartum depression is common and not entirely preventable, knowing what warning signs to look for can help you reduce the risk of a mental breakdown. You should maintain realistic expectations for yourself to avoid being overwhelmed by motherhood. An Affinity Health plan ensures convenient, 24/7 access to Nurses, Doctors and Mental Health Professionals through the Telehealth Benefit from the comfort of your home.