A Few Facts on perinatal mood and anxiety orders
PMADs are the number one complication during pregnancy and childbirth and during the first year after childbirth, also known as “The Fourth Trimester.” PMADs can affect both moms and their partners.
Symptoms can be overlapping.
More than 50% of women do not get treated for PMADs; this can lead to adverse outcomes for moms and babies.
Studies have shown that women of color experience postpartum depression at a rate of close to 38 percent compared with approximately 13 to 19 percent for all postpartum women. The racial disparity is vast and mirrors major gaps in both screening and treatment for mood disorders among women.
After birth there are hormonal fluctuations which cause mood swings. Mood swings, weepiness or feelings of sadness, are often called “baby blues” and affect up to 80% of mothers. Baby Blues are temporary and may last up to 2-3 weeks. While not considered a PMAD, a mom can struggle during this process as they are feeling physically and emotionally overwhelmed.