Postpartum or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are mental health conditions that can occur from pregnancy to the first year after birth. PMADs can affect birthing parents as well as fathers, surrogates, adoptive parents, or in pregnancy loss and infant loss. PMADs generally occur when postpartum dysphoria (“baby blues”) lasts over 2-3 weeks.

 

Postpartum or Peripartum Depression (PPD)

This is the most common mental health risk during and after pregnancy. Symptoms may include: irritability, anger, sleep and appetite changes, sadness, guilt, shame, loss of interest, difficulty with bonding, and thoughts of harm. 

 

Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)

Postpartum anxiety is excessive worrying that occurs after childbirth or adoption. Symptoms can occur on their own or alongside postpartum depression, and the most common include: persistent worrying, catastrophizing, sleep and appetite changes, distressing thoughts, difficulty sitting still, hot flashes, nausea, and dizziness.

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Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (P-PTSD)

P-PTSD may develop after a traumatic experience such as complicated delivery, emergency c-section, a baby in the NICU, breastfeeding issues, stillbirth or child loss. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance of anything related to the childbirth experience, negative changes in mood or emotions, dissociation, hypervigilance or an exaggerated startle response.