Pregnancy during the coronavirus has been difficult for many expectant moms, with a slew of new worries about a novel virus with unknown effects on pregnancy.
Anxiety and depression before, during and after pregnancy — a range of conditions known as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders — happen to more women than you might imagine. These disorders are activated through the many hormonal and environmental changes that happen to a woman before and after pregnancy.
Once a struggle only discussed in whispers behind closed doors, this serious condition is becoming more widely acknowledged. And it should be. Postpartum depression affects about 20% of women after giving birth and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association reports it’s on the rise, up to roughly 30%.
Healthcare providers are worried about an even bigger jump in these kinds of mood disorders during these challenging times, driven by:
- concerns over the virus’ unknown health risks,
- fear of giving birth in a hospital filled with COVID-19 patients,
- the stress of caring for a newborn without help in a time of social distancing,
- and the effects of social isolation that has kept partners from being fully involved in appointments and other aspects of the pregnancy.
The pandemic has made access to care more difficult for some patients who are unable to see their doctor in person or are worried about venturing to a medical office. Many OB/GYN physicians say they are beginning to see an increase in anxiety and depression among pregnant and postpartum patients.
The pandemic can add yet ANOTHER depression or anxiety trigger to an already stressful time.
Many new parents are also confused about whether they are experiencing the “baby blues” or something more serious.
The “Baby Blues”
Post-Partum Depression or Anxiety
Lasts 2-14 days
Lasts 15+ days
Starts after giving birth
Can start during pregnancy or after giving birth
Mood swings
Depressed mood or severe mood swings
Feeling overwhelmed
Overwhelmed to the point of struggling to bond with your baby
General feelings of anxiety
Insomnia
Restlessness
Severe anxiety and panic attacks
Obsessing over the health of your baby
Irritability
Withdrawing from family and friends
Intense irritability and anger
Feeling tired or worn down
Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
Overwhelming fatigue
Hopelessness
Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
Not feeling like you are “on your game”
Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
Fear that you’re not a good mother
Worrying in general
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Postpartum mood disorders are not good for mom OR baby and require the intervention of a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Sambunaris & Associates now offers both:
- expert medical care and,
- medical research studies for those who are seeking a no-cost option.
Call us today to find out how we can help mother and child to thrive in these challenging times!
Author Angelo Sambunaris, M.D.