Postpartum Healing

Signs and Symptoms of PPMDs

posted Dec 3, 2008 1:05 PM by Amber Koter   [ updated Dec 19, 2008 4:09 PM ]

Baby Blues ... is not considered a disorder since it is mild and experienced by the majority of new mothers. Baby blues should be gone by about two weeks after the baby is born. It often includes the following symptoms:
Sadness – Crying – Low Self-Esteem – Feeling stressed

Postpartum Depression ... affects about 15% of new mothers and may begin any time during the first year postpartum. It is characterized by symptoms including:
Anxiety – Lack of Energy – Sleeping Problems – Confusion
Frequent Crying – Low Self-Esteem – Guilt Feelings – Eating Problems - Irritability or Anger – Overwhelmed Feelings – Forgetfulness
Decreased Sex Drive – Moodswings – Hopelessness

Postpartum Panic Disorder ... is experienced by about 10% of new moms and may include:
Panic Attacks – Heart Palpitations – Chest Pains – Dizziness
Nausea – Hot or Cold Flashes – Shaking
Fear of Losing Control or Going Crazy – Numbness or Tingling

Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ... is experienced by around 3 to 5% of mothers and
often includes:
Obsessive and Intrusive Thoughts (Sometimes Including Thoughts of Hurting the Baby)
Avoidance of the Baby - Depression – Anxiety
Repetitive Behaviors Like Counting (Diapers in the Bag, etc.)
Checking (Locking Doors, Baby's Breathing, etc) and Cleaning

Postpartum Bipolar Disorder ... is characterized by:
Mania – Rapid and Severe Moodswings – Depression

Postpartum Psychosis ... is always a medical emergency. Around 0.2% of mothers may experience:
Extreme Agitation – Severe and Rapid Moodswings
Incoherent Statements – Hallucinations – Losing Touch with Reality

Postpartum Posttraumatic Stress Disorder:
Recurrent Nightmares – Extreme Anxiety
Reliving Past Traumatic Events
(Sexual, Physical, Emotional, Childbirth)

Adjustment Disorder
Emotional or behavioral symptoms develop in response to identifiable stressor(s), occurring within three months of the onset of the stressor(s).
These symptoms or behaviors are shown by either marked distress in excess of what would normally be expected from exposure to the stressor or by significant impairment in social or occupational functions.
The symptoms are not related to bereavement or grief.
The symptoms last no more than six months once the stressor has stopped.

Postpartum Anxiety Disorder
Trouble concentrating and remembering things
Difficulties finishing everyday tasks
Trouble making decisions
Difficulty relaxing
Insomnia
Exhaustion
Feelings of extreme uneasiness for prolonged periods of time
Loss of appetite
Possible suicidal thoughts
Anxiety/panic attacks
Muscle tension
Tingling/numbness
Rapid heartbeat
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Anger/rage
Hyperventilating
Immobilizing Guilt
Continuous irritability
Agoraphobia
Fear of being alone
Feeling trapped
Constant fears for baby's health
Nausea/Vomiting