Lilac Insights
As per the World Health Organization
many pregnant women experience a mental disorder, primarily depression.
Globally
10% of pregnant women1
13% of women who have just given birth1
In developing countries this is even higher
15.6% women during pregnancy1
19.8% women after child birth1
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends universal screening for depression and anxiety disorter during pregnancy2.
A program that complements the obstetrician's efforts towards optimizing pregnancy outcomes. From planning pregnancy, to birth and beyond, get support from our experts in reproductive mental well-being.
AtEase deploys evidence-based approaches and therapeutic models to address the psychological needs of the pregnancy - for the mother & the family.
The Postpartum Period
During the postartum period, about 85% of women experience some type of mood disturbance. for most, the symptoms are mild and short-lived; however, 10 to 15% of women develop more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety3.
Postpartum Depression
PPD typically emerges over the first two to three postmartum months but may occur at any point after delivery. SOme women actually note the onset of mild depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Postpartum depression is clinically indistinguishable from depression occurring at other times during a woman's life. The symptoms of postpartum depression include (more than 2 weeks):
Depressed or sad mood
Tearfulness
Loss of interest in usual activities
Feelings of guilt
Fatique
Feelings of worthlessness or incompetence
Sleep disturbance
Change in appetite
Poor concentration
Suicidal thoughts
If a patient is showing any of the above symptoms for more than two weeks,
they should reach out for help.
Reference:
1. https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/maternal-mental-health. Last accessed on 25-3-2021.
2. Screening for perinatal depression- Committee opinion, ACOG, 2018 page 2
3. Postpartum psychiatric disorder: Early diagnosis and management, Rai S et al., Indian J Psychiatry, 2015, 57(Suppl 2), S216-221
