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New moms and babies deserve to thrive - even in a pandemic!

Call 770-817-9200 for help with postpartum depression

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:

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:

Call us today to find out how we can help mother and child to thrive in these challenging times!

 

Author
Angelo Sambunaris, M.D.

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