Anxiety During Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Guide for Mothers
1 in 5 pregnant women suffer from anxiety that isn’t part of natural pregnancy or childbirth. Learn the signs & strategies from a reproductive psychiatrist.
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Series Overview
Perinatal Mental Health Changes to Expect vs. When It Becomes an Issue 11 Min
In this session, you’ll learn the mental health changes to expect as a result of the hormonal and behavioral changes during pregnancy. You’ll also understand when anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period becomes an issue, and the adverse effects on the mother and child if the issue goes unaddressed or untreated.
Perinatal Anxiety Causes & Who Is Most at Risk 8 Min
Pregnancy and new motherhood are full of hormonal, behavioral, and physical changes. In this session, you’ll learn how these changes and other genetic factors affect the chances of developing perinatal anxiety. You’ll also understand the difference between perinatal anxiety and the typical “Baby Blues.”
How to Spot the Symptoms of Perinatal Anxiety 16 Min
Most postpartum mental health issues actually begin during pregnancy. In this session, you’ll get a step-by-step guide on how to differentiate between regular pregnancy behaviors and symptoms of a more serious anxiety issue.
The Screening Process, Treatments, Medications, Providers, & More 26 Min
The screening process for perinatal mental health issues is not as standardized as it is for more “standard” mental health disorders. So in this session, Dr. Oreck How walks through how to get properly screened for perinatal anxiety and how to involve your OB/GYN and other providers in seeking treatment. She also goes in-depth on medication management and therapy options during this unique transitional time.
Resources for Supporters, Adoptive Parents, Surrogate Parents, & More 9 Min
Support during pregnancy and new motherhood is crucial - especially when it comes to managing perinatal anxiety. In our final session, you’ll learn communication and behavioral strategies that supporters can use during this time of change. You’ll also gain insight into effective treatments and resources for supporters, adoptive parents, and surrogate parents.
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About the Series
Many new and expectant mothers deprioritize their own mental health and think they need to “stick it out” for the sake of their new or unborn child. Studies show that many believe they are supposed to be constantly happy that they’re pregnant or that they have a new infant, or that having a mental health issue during the pre- or postnatal period is a sign of failure or incompetence as a mother.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. As leading reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Oreck notes, the period of “matrescence,” or the transition into motherhood, is like going through puberty all over again. This time of transition isn’t meant to be perfect. However, when anxiety during pregnancy or motherhood impedes everyday functioning, intervention is needed. This series is the educational tool all new and expectant mothers need to spot the signs of perinatal anxiety and effectively cope with its symptoms.
Left untreated, perinatal anxiety can lead to adverse biological, behavioral, mental, and medical outcomes for the baby. These outcomes may include mental and emotional problems and disorders, irritability, cognitive issues, and attachment issues. So the education this series offers can be a crucial tool in ensuring long-term happiness and healthiness not just for the mother, but for the child, too.
Who is this series for?
This series is for new mothers who may be experiencing anxiety. It’s also for expectant mothers who notice a change in their anxiety levels.
This series is also incredibly helpful for partners and loved ones of new and expectant mothers.
In this series, you’ll discover:
- How the hormonal and behavioral changes during pregnancy affect a woman’s mental health
- The difference between “the Baby Blues” and a clinical perinatal mental health issue
- The signs that a healthy level of anxiety during pregnancy and new motherhood has become a disorder and needs intervention
- Why some new and expectant mothers are more likely to develop perinatal anxiety
- How to find mental health resources specifically for new and expectant mothers – and how to find a provider that will ensure new and expectant mothers receive safe treatment
- How to discuss mental health concerns with the new or expectant mother’s OB/GYN and other providers
- Key support strategies for spouses, loved ones, adoptive parents, and surrogate parents
“It’s not a choice between being a good mother and getting treated for your mental health. Just because you’re having those issues doesn’t mean you’re not a good mom. And [getting treated] is setting you up to enjoy your life and enjoy your baby so you don’t miss out on those first months.”
Board Certified Psychiatrist, M.D., M.S.
Start Watching This Series Now!
You can get free access to all 5 segments of this video series when you become a MedCircle Member. You’ll also get access to every video series from the MedCircle doctors.
