Perinatal mental health Flashcards
Perinatal mental health disorders
Postnatal anxiety Postnatal depression Postpartum blues Puerperal psychosis PTSD
Risk factors
History of abuse Pre-existing mental health disorder Traumatic pregnancy or delivery Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy Fetal loss Substance misuse Domestic violence
Red flags for perinatal mental health disorders
Existing mental health conditions such as bipolar Severe depression Disclosure Recent changes in mental health Thoughts of self harm
Baby blues symptoms
Tearful Low mood Irritable Anxious Overreacting
When do baby blues occur
Occurs 3 - 4 days postpartum
Gets better at approx 2 weeks
When does postnatal depression occur
Within 1 - 2 months of giving birth
Symptoms of postnatal depression
Low mood Feelings of incompetency Not providing adequate care for baby Difficulty bonding with baby Thoughts about harm coming to baby
Treatment for mild postnatal depression
Modified antenatal classes
Peer support groups
Treatment for severe postnatal depression
Antidepressants - TCA or SSRI
Referral to specialist perinatal mental health services
Symptoms of puerperal psychosis
Delusions Hallucinations Mania Low mood and tearful Rapid changes in mood Confusion Paranoid and suspicious
When does puerperal psychosis present
Within days of birth
Sudden onset
Management of puerperal psychosis
Specialist MDT on a mother baby unit
Antipsychotics and mood stabilisers
CBT when in recovery phase
ECT - if severe
Pre - conceptual counselling
Do not suddenly stop all medication when you know you’re pregnant - consult GP
Contraception use and pregnancy plans
Implications of pregnancy - risk of relapse
Psychiatric review - options for discontinuing or switching to safer medication
Effect of sodium valproate on pregnancy
Neural tube defect
Effect of carbamazepine on pregnancy
Cleft lip
