Pregnancy can be a wonderful time in your life, but it can also come with challenges. You may have anxieties about parenthood, health, or financial stressors. Pregnancy also changes the hormonal balance in your body, with dramatic increases in estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to conditions like peripartum or postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders.
Especially if you did not experience depression before your pregnancy, this can be disheartening and overwhelming. Working with a psychiatrist can help you manage these mental health symptoms and offer support both during and after your pregnancy.
What Are Peripartum and Postpartum Mental Health Disorders?
Peripartum and postpartum mental health disorders are mental health disorders that specifically occur during or surrounding pregnancy. Peripartum conditions occur during the pregnancy and postpartum conditions occur after the pregnancy. These conditions can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
As many as 85% of those who give birth experience a mood disorder of some kind in the aftermath of their pregnancy.1 There can be multiple causes for these mood disorders, beyond the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. For some, whether due to life circumstances or health complications, birth can be a traumatic experience. It could be a difficult birth or one that was dangerous for the parent, child, or both. This can induce feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, or symptoms of PTSD.
There is a sense of shame often associated with peri- and postpartum conditions that can also exacerbate symptoms. Society tells us that pregnancy is a beautiful thing and that giving birth to your child can be magical and special. While this may be true for many, not everyone has a unilaterally positive pregnancy. Those who don’t get that “magic feeling” may feel that there’s something wrong with them or that they don’t love their child as they should. This shame can make it difficult to admit to what they’re going through and get help.
Know that peri- and postpartum disorders are very common, and that there is help for you when you experience these symptoms. There is also no wrong way to feel about your pregnancy or your experiences. Many individuals have complicated feelings about their pregnancy and they can still love their child and be a good parent.
Timeframe for Postpartum Depression and Other Conditions
If you experience postpartum depression, one of the first things you might wonder is “How long will I have this?” Unfortunately, that answer varies from case to case. Some only experience postpartum depression for a few months, while others can experience it up to one year after the pregnancy.
The beginning of these disorders also varies depending on the individual and the pregnancy. Some develop mood disorders during their pregnancy which last after the child is born. Others might not develop these disorders until weeks after birth. Because there is so much variation, it’s important to speak with your clinician honestly about how you feel so that they can best know how to help you.
What Medications Can You Take During Pregnancy?
For postpartum mental health disorders, patients are often prescribed the same medication that they would be given for a long-term mental health condition. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs are often prescribed. Last year, the FDA also approved Zurzuvae (zuranolone), the first oral medication designed for postpartum depression.2 This provides another option. Once symptoms finally fade, patients may work with their psychiatrist to ease off of those medications, taking smaller doses until they can finally stop taking them completely.
But what about peripartum conditions? During pregnancy, the expectant parent has to be careful about what they ingest for the safety of the baby. This can lead to questions of whether medication is healthy and safe to take during pregnancy. The good news is that SSRIs and SNRIs are both generally safe for pregnancy. Speak with your psychiatrist about the medications that would be best for you during pregnancy and after to manage symptoms of mental health disorders surrounding pregnancy.
Risks Of Taking Medication vs. Not Taking Medication For Peripartum or Postpartum Conditions
There may be a minimal risk of side effects such as high blood pressure and premature birth, but these are far outweighed by the risks of not taking the medications you need when experiencing peripartum depression, PTSD, OCD, or anxiety. As we mentioned before, pregnancy tends to lead to a dramatic change in hormones, which is why mood disorders are so common. It also means that your lows are likely to be much lower and you will need more help to regulate them. These hormones also undergo a dramatic change after pregnancy.
Therapy can be helpful for some during and after pregnancy. For some, this is enough. However, others may need more daily, consistent reduction in symptoms provided by medication. Without the medication you need to treat these symptoms, they often worsen, leading to feelings of being trapped, hopelessness, or even resentment for your situation. The longer you go without treating your peripartum or postpartum mood disorders, the more they can fester.
Fortunately, Rivia Mind is here to help with a number of skilled and compassionate psychiatrist specializing in maternal mental healthcare. Contact us today to learn more or visit our Women’s Mental Health Services page to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Resources:
- Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders – MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health
- FDA Approves The First Oral Treatment For Postpartum Depression – FDA
