Risk Factors for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Once upon a time, a pregnant mom felt unsettled during her pregnancy. She had always wanted to become a mother, but she knew that her body would change and there would be some level of risk involved.

At around 30 weeks pregnant, she started feeling less like herself. She was filled with joy, excitement, but she was also experienced a lot of pain, soreness, sleeplessness, and persistent nervous anticipation.

She had imagined her last trimester to be filled with baby movements, nursery planning, intimacy, emotional support from her partner, long walks, and endless joy, but that wasn't happening.

Her partner wasn't emotionally available, and she felt like she was taking care of everything on her own. She was already starting to feel overwhelmed with her mother-in-law's involvement.

Not knowing what to do, she wondered if her anxiety was enough to seek professional support. She didn't know for sure, but she didn't want to ignore her gut feeling.

This is a story that I often hear (after months of suffering).

But this first time mom took action and sought various supports, including perinatal mental health screenings, The Fourth Trimester Prep program, and had a few 1:1 creative therapy session with me, Kayla. Unfortunately, most expectant mothers feel pressured to only express happiness and excitement about their pregnancy, leaving little room to talk about their genuine feelings and experiences. Through these experiences, she started feeling capable, setting boundaries, improving communication, and gaining confidence in transitioning into the next phase with less anxiety.

However, some moms experience increased anxiety, stress, strange thoughts, and crippling exhaustion.

Here are some quick facts about perinatal distress:

• 1 in 7 women will experience a a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) in pregnancy.

• Women with a history of depression are 35% more likely to experience Postpartum Depression (PPD).

• Women who experience depression during pregnancy are 50% more likely to experience depression postpartum.

• PPD can start minutes after delivery, with the highest risk being in the first 5 months.

• 1 in 4 women will experience a PMAD at some point within the first year.

There are several risk factors for developing a PMAD during pregnancy and postpartum:

• Personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or self-harm.

• Unplanned or unexpected pregnancy.

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

• Marital stressors such as communication issues and low emotional support.

• Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness.

• Perfectionist tendencies and high self-expectations.

• Complicated relationship with or absence/loss of the pregnant woman's own birth mother.

• Major life transitions like moving or job changes/loss.

• Recent personal loss or grief.

• Complications or high risks in pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

• Miscarriage and/or infertility treatments.

• Financial stressors.

• Inadequate or insufficient support in caring for oneself or the baby.

• Pregnant with multiples.

• Traumatic birth experience.

• Having a baby who spent time in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU).

If you are struggling with your moods, coping, or relationships during pregnancy or postpartum, it's crucial to reach out and access support as soon as possible.

• Discuss these risk factors with your healthcare provider.

• Find a perinatal therapist who can provide assistance.

• Check out The Fourth Trimester Prep Program for additional resources.

Studies show that intervention can bring relief in as little as a few weeks.

Share your unexpected pregnancy experiences in the comments section.