Postpartum Anxiety in Mississippi

Mississippi

Postpartum anxiety occurs when people who have recently given birth experience irrational fears or excessive concerns that are difficult to control. Postpartum anxiety can cause physical and emotional symptoms, including: 

• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Sleep issues.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Trouble focusing.
• Heart palpitations.

• Panic attacks.

Postpartum anxiety can be caused by many things, such as sleep deprivation, stressful events and rapid changes in hormones following pregnancy.

Women at higher risk for postpartum anxiety include:

• Women who have a personal or family history of depression or anxiety.
• Women who experienced previous pregnancy loss or the death of an infant.
• Women who had low social support during pregnancy.
• Women who face persistent economic stressors.

When detected, postpartum anxiety can be treated. Both the United States Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend screening for anxiety disorders in pregnant and postpartum adults. Screening questionnaires about mood, anxiety, stress and overall emotional well-being should be routinely done at prenatal postpartum visits. 

Treatment options for postpartum anxiety can include lifestyle changes like joining a support group, staying active and eating a nutritious diet, as well as talking to a therapist. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also be prescribed to treat postpartum anxiety.

To better prevent pregnancy complications and maternal death, Healthy People 2030 tracks multiple measures around pregnancy and childbirth. These include an objective to increase the proportion of women who are screened for postpartum depression.

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