Mood Disorders During Pregnancy & Childbirth
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and childbirth can have a profound impact
on mood. Approximately 10-20% of women experience depression during pregnancy,
and studies show that women who have been treated for depression before
pregnancy are more likely to experience depression during pregnancy. Depression
is a serious medical condition that poses risks for both mother and baby.
That’s why it’s important for women who have had a history
of depression, or are taking antidepressants, speak with their physician
prior to trying to conceive. The good news is, there are highly effective
treatment options available to manage depression during pregnancy, including
individual and group therapy or counseling, and in some cases anti-depressant
medication.
Postpartum mood changes are common due to the significant hormonal changes
that occur immediately following childbirth. In fact, approximately 80%
of women experience the “baby blues” – a period of heightened
emotional sensitivity and mild depression which occurs within the first
10 days after delivery and may last about 1-2 weeks.
However, for about 10-15% of women, these symptoms are more profound and
persistent. This is referred to as Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
( PMAD), previously known as postpartum depression. PMAD was adopted to
more accurately capture the types of conditions related to maternal mental
health. This condition can occur within the first few weeks after childbirth
and can persist up to one year or longer, if not treated. PMAD is characterized
by moderate-to-severe mood changes that can interfere with a woman’s
ability to handle day-to-day tasks, including caring for her infant.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) generally include:
- Severe mood swings and intense irritability and anger
- Overwhelming fatigue
- Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Loss of interest in sex
- Lack of joy in life
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
In some cases, PMAD is so severe that a woman may have thoughts of harming
herself or her infant. In these cases, it is critical that a woman seek
immediate medical attention.
Maternal Mental Health Program and Outpatient Clinic
Hoag
Maternal Mental Health Program is dedicated to helping women experiencing mental health conditions before,
during and after pregnancy. A collaboration between the Pickup Family
Neurosciences Institute and Women’s Health Institute, our goal is
to ensure healthy outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Our program includes an outpatient clinic where expectant and new moms
with various mental health conditions can meet with a
psychiatrist, licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed clinical
social worker to receive the care they need or be connected to local resources.
Additionally, we offer the following services:
- Pre-conception planning (women with existing mental health conditions or
who are already taking medications and are planning to conceive)
- Mental health assessment during pregnancy and post-partum
- Individual and group psychotherapy
- Medication Safety Evaluation during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Connection to local support services
Outpatient Clinic
Women who are currently pregnant, post-partum (up to one year) and women
who are planning to conceive and desire a pre-conception medication safety
evaluation can be referred to the
outpatient clinic.
The clinic is located at Hoag for Her Center for Wellness at 500 Superior
Ave., Suite 315, Newport Beach, CA 92663.
For scheduling and insurance eligibility, please call 949-764-8191. To
lean more about the clinic or be connected to support services, please
call our Maternal Mental Health Support Line Monday - Friday from 9 a.m.
- 5 p.m. at 949-764-5333.
Hoag Support Group for New Moms
Hoag offers free weekly
support groups facilitated by
licensed therapists for women to talk openly about their experiences, particularly for women
experiencing the baby blues or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD).
These ongoing support groups focus on teaching positive coping skills
and providing support and education.
Evening Group: Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Daytime Group: Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Support groups are located at Hoag for Her Center for Wellness at 500 Superior
Ave., Suite 315, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Babies and support persons are
welcome. With questions, please call Maternal Mental Health Support Line
at 949-764-5333.
Maternal Mental Health Support Line
This
free support line will help connect maternity patients to mental health providers (counselors,
pyschotherapists, psychiatrists) in the community. If you or a loved one
is struggling with depression or anxiety and have a difficult time connecting
with mental health resources, please call use directly for assistance.
The support line is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until
5 p.m. and voicemails will be answered during those hours of operation.
The phone number is 949-764-5333. If you need additional online resources
please click
here.