Postpartum anxiety is a kind of anxiousness disorder that takes place adhering to childbirth. It can occur while pregnant or anytime as much as 1 year after having the baby (Postpartum). The intensity of postpartum anxiety ranges from mild to serious, and also its results might be short-term or lasting.
While the exact root cause of postpartum anxiety is not known, there are likely several and also special causes for every female (Postpartum). A few of the variables that may trigger postpartum anxiety include:
- A terrible birth experience (either difficult labor or seeing the child in distress).
- Difficulties with breastfeeding or developing a strong add-on to the child.
- Lack of rest as a result of baby’s demands.
- Stressful living situation or lack of support from family and friends.
- The infant has a medical condition that requires special attention.
- Having a baby with a high-need personality, who is hard to relieve and also relax.
- An unexpected pregnancy due to contraception failing can additionally activate postpartum stress and anxiety.
Symptoms
Symptoms of postpartum anxiety may include:
- Nervousness and worry about everything involving the baby’s safety and well-being. A woman with postpartum anxiety may spend hours checking on her newborn, repeatedly assure herself all is well, and be unable to eat or sleep due to thoughts about the baby
- Constant tiredness and exhaustion from constant worry
- Feeling as though one is going crazy because of the irrational thoughts that won’t go away
- Panic attacks, which can include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, numbness or tingling in fingers and toes, and chills
- Hearing things (hallucinations), such as the baby crying, which are not actually occurring
- Feeling detached from the baby or experiencing a lack of feelings toward the baby
- Having suicidal thoughts about self-harm or harming the baby
Treatments
Treatment for postpartum anxiety will depend upon the severity of the symptoms, how much distress is being caused, and whether or not you are considering harming yourself or your baby.
Psychotherapy
The most effective way to treat postpartum anxiety is with psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. A combination of treatments may be needed.
Psychotherapy can help you with postpartum anxiety by teaching you coping and problem-solving skills to handle the anxiety and stress of motherhood. This type of therapy has been shown to be very effective in treating depression and anxiety.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. Cognitive therapy can help you address your anxiety and teach you relaxation techniques to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety.
Medication
If you are thinking about harming yourself or your baby, you will need immediate medical care.
Your doctor may recommend an anti-anxiety medication called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). You can take this type of medication in tablet form, or it can be taken through the vagina by using a vaginal ring that slowly releases the medicine.
Supplements
CBD oil has been shown to be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. It may be especially helpful for postpartum anxiety caused by a lack of mood-boosting chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. Before using CBD oil, you should speak to your doctor to know if it’s suitable for your condition or if there are potential risks of taking it while you are breastfeeding.
How to prevent
Every woman experiences childbirth differently, so it may not be possible to prevent postpartum anxiety. However, you can take steps to minimize risk factors that are tied to having postpartum anxiety. These include practicing good self-care during pregnancy and preparing for the birth by assessing your support system and creating a plan should any complications arise.
Summary
Postpartum anxiousness is caused by the arrival of brand-new motherhood and can be extremely frightening for both women as well as their children, that are impacted by the sudden change in their mommies’ state of mind. Occasionally postpartum anxiousness can additionally lead to depression, which might boost the danger for infant forget or infanticide. Nevertheless, there are therapies available, as well as women can take actions to avoid postpartum stress and anxiety from occurring.