more than the blues the NUMBER ONE COMPLICATION of CHILDBIRTH

If you were asked about complications associated with giving birth, what pops into your head? Going into labor early? High blood pressure? Gestational diabetes?

Yes, those are all common complications. But did you know the most common complication is depression? That’s right, depression. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1 in 7 women develop depression and 1 in 10 women develop anxiety during pregnancy or in the 12 months following pregnancy. Both anxiety and depression are part of what is recognized as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS). PMADS are mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder that are diagnosed any time from conception to the first full year after giving birth.

Often, if we think of mood struggles after giving birth we tend to think of the “baby blues,” a normal reaction to hormone fluctuations that can include feeling sad, crying and tearfulness. PMADS are different in how long they last, the intensity of the symptoms experienced, and when they are experienced.

What do they look like? Well, it can look like a mother who is struggling to sleep even when the baby is sleeping because even though she is exhausted she can’t relax or stop thinking. It can look like a mother who feels angry and irritable, sad most of the time, struggles to finish tasks, or often feels on the verge of tears. Other postpartum concerns may include feeling like a “bad mom,” struggling to feel connected with baby, being constantly overwhelmed with parenting, and experiencing feelings of failure. Post-partum depression can also include experiencing thoughts of suicide and feeling that her family may better off without her.

Moms who may be struggling with anxiety disorders can experience panic attacks and intrusive thoughts that she can’t get out of her head. She may constantly feel on edge and be unable to relax, even if she knows the baby is safe. Other anxiety-related concerns may include difficulty sleeping and an obsession with cleanliness, germs and keeping the baby safe.

PMADs can have huge impacts if not treated. Women who are experiencing mood or anxiety concerns may struggle with breastfeeding, connecting with their baby, isolation from friends and family, and performing poorly at work. Relationships with their partner are also impacted. Speaking of partners, according to Postpartum Support International, 1 in 10 dads experience postpartum depression.

Am I at risk? While we don’t know 100 percent what exactly causes PMADs, we do know that there are certain people who are at a higher risk. Parents who have experienced loss, infertility, a NICU stay or have a previous history with a mental health concern are more likely to develop a PMAD.

While PMADs can sound scary, there is hope. Various effective treatments are available. Medication, therapy and social support (either in conjunction or individually), can be used to successfully treat PMADs. Yoga, mindfulness, massage and exercise can all be used to help treat symptoms. Joining a support group or local moms or parents group is also extremely helpful. Connecting with people on a regular basis, getting outside of the house, reducing stressors and getting enough sleep are all important things to consider when creating a postpartum plan.

If you have concerns about someone you know or are experiencing symptoms, reach out to a medical professional or someone with training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Pregnancy and parenting is stressful, but you do not have to go it alone.

NATALIE REITER is certified in Perinatal Mental Health and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Natalie is the owner of Prairieland Counseling Services in Fargo which specializes in reproductive mental health for men and women. Natalie is board certified in telehealth and provides services across the state of North Dakota.

WORDS : ERIN HEMME FROSLIE PHOTOGRAPHY : DAVE ARNTSON