Imagine the joy of bringing a new baby into the world, a special experience that starts an amazing journey. Now, think about that journey being clouded by strong feelings of sadness, worry, or hopelessness that just won’t go away.
For many new moms, this is real life as they deal with perinatal depression. But what exactly is perinatal depression, and how is it different from postpartum depression, which you might have heard of? More importantly, why should you care about this and the many moms going through this important time?
Let’s explore the important connection between perinatal depression and postpartum depression, and why early screening for perinatal depression is so important.
What is Perinatal Depression?
Perinatal depression includes both depression during pregnancy (prenatal depression) and after the baby is born (postpartum depression). Both types can seriously affect a mom’s mental and physical health.
According to a recent study, 10% to 20% of women in the U.S. experience perinatal depression. This shows how common this condition is and why it’s important to have good ways to screen for it. It’s not just about feeling a little sad; it’s a serious condition that needs attention and care.
The Difference Between Perinatal and Postpartum Depression
Many people mix up perinatal depression and postpartum depression, but they are different. Perinatal depression includes symptoms that happen during pregnancy and can continue after the baby is born. Postpartum depression happens only after the baby is born.
It’s important to know the difference because it shows why we need to watch mental health during the whole pregnancy period, not just after birth. This way, mothers can get the help they need from the beginning.
The Long-Term Impact on Mother and Child
If perinatal depression is not treated, it doesn’t just affect the mother. It also impacts the child for a long time. Research shows that children whose mothers have untreated perinatal depression are more likely to face emotional and behavioral problems.
It may also lead to premature birth, low birth weight, bonding issues, and sleeping/feeding problems for the baby.
For mothers, untreated perinatal depression can lead to ongoing depression and other mental health issues. It can also create problems in relationships with partners and family members. Early screening and treatment can prevent these issues, leading to better outcomes for the whole family.
Why Screening for Perinatal Depression is Important
Checking for signs of depression in new moms early on can really help them. When healthcare providers screen for perinatal depression, they can spot the symptoms early and give the right treatment or advice.
A study in JAMA Psychiatry talks about how not getting perinatal depression help can affect both the mom and the baby for a long time. If it’s not taken care of, it can cause emotional and developmental problems for the child.
What Screening for Perinatal Depression Involves
Mental health providers usually use questionnaires and interviews to screen for perinatal depression. These tools help them find signs of depression and anxiety, so they can take action quickly.
Some common tools are the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Both are good at spotting signs of perinatal and postpartum depression.
Effective Treatment Options
The good news is that help for perinatal depression is available. Here are some effective methods:
Therapy
Talking to a mental health provider can help new moms. Types of talk therapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) teach moms how to handle stress and change negative thoughts.
Medication
Healthcare providers can give antidepressant medicine that is safe for both the mom and the baby when it is deemed necessary.
Support Groups
Joining groups with other moms going through the same thing can provide emotional support and make moms with perinatal depression feel less alone.
Self-Care
Encouraging moms to take care of themselves by exercising, getting enough sleep, and eating well can help a lot with managing their symptoms.
Screening for Perinatal Depression in Phoenix, Arizona
It’s really important for new moms to understand how feeling depressed during pregnancy can affect them and their child’s well-being. Checking for signs early and getting help can make things much better, making sure moms get the support they need during this big life change.
If you think you or someone you know might be feeling this way, contact our mental health provider at Balanced Mental Health of Arizona.
We are proud to offer comprehensive screening for perinatal depression. We are committed to providing perinatal and postpartum depression help to new moms.
To learn more about screening for perinatal depression, call us today at (623) 349-1711 or request an appointment using our online form. We look forward to serving you!
