Pregnancy and Mental Health Flashcards
What are baby blues?
A transient liability in mood
When do baby blues typically occur?
3 days after birth
How long does baby blues take to resolve?
About 7 days
resolves about day 10
Who is baby blues more common in?
Primip’s (first child)
How do baby blues normally present?
Anxious about parenting skills
Tearful
Irritable
What is the management of baby blues?
Reassurance and support
What should you screen for in someone who had baby blues?
Screen for postnatal depression
When should you screen for postnatal depression after baby blues?
4-6 weeks
3-4 months
When can postpartum depression develop?
Up to 1 year after giving birth
How does postpartum depression usually present?
Lower mood
Lower energy levels
Poor appetite
Poor sleep
What might there be concerns of with postpartum depression?
Concerns of the mother harming herself or the baby
What might the mother be concerned of with postpartum depression?
Bonding with the baby
Caring for the baby
What is the first line management of postpartum depression?
Cognitive behavioural therapy
Interpersonal therapy
What is the second line management of postpartum depression?
SSRI’s
What SSRI’s might be given for postpartum depression?
Sertraline Paroxetine (better as less goes into the milk)
What is the difference between postpartum depression and baby blues?
Baby blues comes on within the first 2 weeks and resolves spontaneously
What is another name for postpartum psychosis?
Puerperal psychosis
What is postpartum psychosis?
serious but rare mental health problem which develops after you give birth
What are the possible presentations of postpartum psychosis?
Paranoia Delusions Hallucinations Mania Depression Confusion Mood swings similar to bipolar disorder
When are women more at risk of postpartum psychosis?
If they have a history of severe mental illness (bipolar or schizophrenic)
Family history of postpartum psychosis
What is the management of postpartum psychosis?
Inpatient psychiatric care
What type of medication is given to those with postpartum psychosis?
Antipsychotics
Mood stabilisers
What screening tool is used for post natal depression?
The Edinburgh (depression) scale
When does puerpural psychosis usually occur after giving birth?
2-3 weeks after giving birth
How is someone with postpartum psychosis usually managed?
Admission to hospital is usually required, ideally in a Mother & Baby Unit
How likely is puerpural psychosis likely to occur in subsequent pregnancies?
25-50% risk of recurrence following future pregnancies
