Moods
As a new mother, your moods may often make you feel as if you are completely out of control. This is partly attributed to a considerable increase in the various hormones that are necessary to support your pregnancy and prepare your body for breastfeeding postpartum. After your baby is born, your hormones began their gradual to return itself to its former levels. This process takes approximately two weeks.
Self-education is key! It is really important to properly educate yourselves about your body and the changes that it goes through during pregnancy so that you can be prepared. Hormonal fluctuations contribute to the mood changes and disorders that mothers often experience.
Baby Blues
Post-partum blues can occur in 50%-80% of mothers, and usually last no longer than 2 weeks. Learn more below.
Postpartum Psychosis
Usually in 1-2 women out of 1,000. May occurs within the first two weeks postpartum. Learn more below.
postpartum anxiety
Occurs in approximately 13%-40% of mothers post-partum. Learn more below.
Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Occurs in approximately 5% of mothers. Learn more below.
Pospartum Depression
Occurs in approximately 13%-40% of mothers post-partum. Learn more below.
Perinatal anxiety and depression
Feelings of depression and anxiety can also occur during your pregnancy. Learn more below.
postpartum baby blues
Post-partum blues can occur in 50%-80% of mothers, and tend to last no longer than 2 weeks, with moods that may be as following;
- unexplained crying
- inability to sleep
- feeling overwhelmed
- feeling like you are not bonding with your baby
Postpartum Anxiety
Occurs in approximately 6% of pregnant mothers and 10% of mothers
post-partum. Some signs and symptoms are as follows;
- panic attacks
- nausea
- hot flashes
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- feelings of being out of control
- fears of being left by yourself
- constant fears of something bad happening to your baby
- thoughts of harming yourself
*This information is not intended to diagnose any condition or disease. Please contact your Obstetrician or Midwife if you have any questions or concerns about your moods*
Postpartum Depression
Post-partum depression occurs in approximately 15% of mothers postpartum and 10% of mother during pregnancy. The following symptoms may include.
- change in eating and inability to sleep
- thoughts of harming your baby
- trouble concentrating
- unexplained crying and/or crying more than usual
- lack of interest in and caring for your baby
- feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- lack of interest in personal hygiene
- lack energy or motivation
- thoughts of harming yourself
Postpartum Psychosis
Usually in 1-2 women out of 1,000. Occurs within the first two weeks postpartum. Some of the signs are as follows;
- delusions
- hallucinations
- hyperactivity
- suspicious behavior
- paranoid behavior
- decreased need for sleep, or inability to sleep
- irrational decisions, and judgement
Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Occurs in 3-5% of mothers. The symptoms may include the following;
-troubling and anxiety provoking thoughts that are persistent and repetitive in nature. These thoughts intrude upon our everyday thinking. These thoughts could include thoughts or fears of harming your child.
- feeling the need to repeat a task or doing something over and over again in order to reduce anxiety and or fearfulness
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression
Severe anxiety occurs in approximately 6% of pregnant women and severe depression occurs in approximately 6-13%.
- panic attacks
- nausea
- hot flashes
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- feelings of being out of control
- fears of being left by yourself
- constant fears of something bad happening to your baby
- thoughts of harming yourself
- change in eating and inability to sleep
- thoughts of harming your baby
- trouble concentrating
- unexplained crying and/or crying more than usual
- lack of interest in and caring for your baby
- feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- lack of interest in personal hygiene
- lack energy or motivation
- thoughts of harming yourself
*This information is not intended to diagnose any condition or disease, please contact your Obstetrician or Midwife if you have questions or concerns about your moods*