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What is perinatal care?What’s the difference between postpartum care, perinatal care, and prenatal care?What is postpartum depression and what should I know about it?What causes postpartum depression?What happens during prenatal visits with a psychiatrist?How can I improve my baby's health during the perinatal period?What are the key components of effective perinatal care?Is it safe to take medication during and after pregnancy?Do I have to be pregnant to have postpartum depression?How to get startedWhat is perinatal care?
The journey into parenthood is a time of change, with shifts in hormones, responsibilities, and identities. It’s normal to feel many different emotions during this time. Some new and expectant parents experience deeper and longer-lasting emotional and mental health challenges.
Perinatal mental health care supports people experiencing mental health conditions during the perinatal period, which is the timeframe from conception through the first year after childbirth. This includes perinatal mental health conditions, which are conditions directly related to pregnancy and childbirth like postpartum depression, as well as previous diagnoses. Treatment for these conditions can involve a combination of medication, therapy, and support with lifestyle changes.
Remember that perinatal mental health conditions are not a weakness or shortcoming, and they do not mean you are a bad parent. They are medical conditions that require, and are responsive to, treatment. They are also not uncommon: An estimated 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men may experience depression during the perinatal period.
If you have symptoms, seeking support from an experienced mental health professional is the best thing you can do to take care of yourself and your baby during an important and vulnerable time.
Back to topWhat’s the difference between postpartum care, perinatal care, and prenatal care?
Perinatal care is a broader category that includes both prenatal and postpartum care. The term “perinatal” refers to the whole journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and the first year postpartum. “Prenatal” and “postpartum” each refer to more specific stages: Prenatal means during pregnancy and postpartum means after birth.
When referring to a new mother’s physical recovery from labor and delivery, the postpartum period is generally considered the first six to eight weeks after childbirth. But symptoms of perinatal depression or anxiety may occur any time during pregnancy up to a year after birth.
Perinatal mental health conditions occur as frequently during pregnancy as during postpartum. When a new parent’s mental health symptoms first develop after the birth of their child, it’s accurate to describe their condition as either perinatal or postpartum.
Back to topPsychiatry vs. therapy
Not sure exactly what you need? One of our psychiatrists can help you with a treatment plan.
Psychiatrist
Therapist
Is a medical doctor
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❌
Can prescribe medication
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Good for your mental health
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Trained to really listen
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Addresses symptoms
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What is postpartum depression and what should I know about it?
Moments of feeling anxious, sad, or overwhelmed are to be expected throughout the journey of pregnancy and into parenthood. It’s relatively common to experience the “baby blues,” feelings of sadness that arise in the first few days after childbirth. While the baby blues are typically brief, some new parents face more intense and longer-lasting emotional challenges after having a baby, with symptoms that meet the criteria for a mood disorder.
Postpartum depression is one of the most common mental health conditions that new parents may experience after childbirth, affecting an estimated 1 in 5 new mothers. It can be serious; it’s also treatable.
Symptoms of postpartum depression can seem like the baby blues at first, but they last longer and interfere with daily life. Each person’s experience is unique, and symptoms can vary in severity, but they may include:
- Severe mood swings
- Feelings of sadness, depression, irritability, or anger
- Frequent crying
- Fatigue or low energy
- Changes in appetite
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Decreased interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Withdrawing from friends or family
With effective treatment and the right support, most people are able to fully recover from postpartum depression and enjoy their life as a new parent. Several types of commonly used medications are effective at treating postpartum depression, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and other common antidepressants.
Treatment for postpartum depression often includes a combination of medication and therapy. Practicing good self-care, staying connected to others, and surrounding yourself with social support can make the recovery process easier.
What causes postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is caused by a combination of genetics, hormonal changes, and life circumstances and experiences. The emotional and psychological changes associated with having a baby and becoming a parent can also be a factor.
Some people may be more likely to experience postpartum depression than others. There are several known risk factors:
- A personal or family history of depression or other mental health conditions
- A personal or family history of trauma
- Pregnancy complications or a difficult or traumatic birthing experience
- Lack of social support
Many other factors can affect mood throughout the perinatal journey, including:
- Unemployment or financial stress
- Illness and underlying medical conditions
- Relationship difficulties with a partner
- Childcare stress
- Ambivalent feelings about parenthood
How a psychiatrist can help
Get to the root cause of how you’re feeling
Your first visit is a full exam so you and your psychiatrist can discuss your goals, history, and feelings in-depth.
Work with you on a treatment plan you’re comfortable with
We use shared decision-making to personalize a plan that can include medication and therapy. Our goal: Help you make informed choices about your care.
Track your healing with regular follow-ups
Follow-ups are typically scheduled for 30 minutes so you have the time to continue the conversation about your care.
What happens during prenatal visits with a psychiatrist?
With Talkiatry, you can see a psychiatrist from the comfort of your home, and you can schedule your first appointment in a matter of days.
During your 60-minute first appointment, you’ll meet your psychiatrist and share more about your current symptoms and health history. You will also have the opportunity to ask your psychiatrist any questions you may have. They will listen to what you're going through and make sure that virtual care at Talkiatry is the best fit for you.
Based on the information you’ve shared, your psychiatrist will be able to provide a diagnosis of your condition, if you have one. Getting a diagnosis can feel scary, but it can also feel validating to finally put a name to what you've been experiencing. Your psychiatrist will help you navigate any emotions that come up and work with you on finding a path forward.
You’ll collaborate with your psychiatrist on the best way to manage your symptoms. If medication is appropriate, you’ll discuss your options. Many medications are safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Your psychiatrist can help you evaluate the risks and benefits of various treatment options so that you can make the best plan for your needs.
In follow-up sessions, your psychiatrist will monitor how you’re responding to treatment and give you the opportunity to discuss any concerns. They will also provide supportive therapy and may recommend working with one of our therapists, who partner with our psychiatrists to provide collaborative care. Take our free online assessment to see if Talkiatry is right for you and get matched with a psychiatrist.
Back to topHow can I improve my baby's health during the perinatal period?
Prioritizing your own health and well-being during pregnancy supports your baby’s health, growth, and development. Schedule a visit with your OB/GYN, midwife, or another medical provider as soon as you learn you’re pregnant, attend all of your prenatal appointments, and complete recommended testing.
Your mental health is essential during this time, and experts from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend screenings for perinatal mental health conditions at the following times:
- When you first learn you are pregnant
- When you are 24-28 weeks pregnant
- At the six-week postpartum appointment
- Between six weeks to a year postpartum
Perinatal mental health conditions occur as frequently during pregnancy as postpartum, so it’s important not to delay mental health screenings until after childbirth.
All the physical, emotional, and social changes of pregnancy and postpartum can bring up many different feelings. This is a time to lean on others. Make sure you have friends or family members you can talk to about your feelings and experiences. If you have a personal or family history of mental health issues, it’s especially important to anticipate potential challenges and take good care of yourself.
Back to topWhat are the key components of effective perinatal care?
Perinatal mental health care should be thorough. A qualified psychiatrist will help you explore the underlying causes of your feelings and provide recommendations for treatment options. Your first visit at Talkiatry is a full 60-minute exam, allowing you and your psychiatrist to have an in-depth conversation about your feelings, symptoms, and health history.
It should also be collaborative. An effective treatment plan is tailored to your goals and needs. Our psychiatrists work with you to identify a way forward. Using shared decision-making, we’ll create a personalized plan that can include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
It’s important to find the right fit. Not only should your psychiatrist have clinical expertise in the specific issues you’re navigating, having a strong relationship with them can lead to better treatment outcomes. When exploring your options, look for a clinician you feel comfortable around, and who you can speak to openly. There should also be a feeling of mutual trust and respect.
Back to topIs it safe to take medication during and after pregnancy?
During pregnancy
When it comes to deciding to take medication during pregnancy, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Many medications are safe to take while pregnant, but there are some that can lead to a higher risk of pregnancy loss or complications or health issues for the baby. At the same time, many people need medications to manage serious health issues, and there are instances where deciding not to take a medication during pregnancy could bring its own set of risks for a mother and her baby.
The best way to make informed decisions about treatment is to speak openly with your clinician about your pregnancy and health history. Together, you can determine the best option for your needs.
During breastfeeding
Most medications transfer into breast milk at such low levels that they are considered safe to take while breastfeeding, but there are some exceptions. If you’re exploring treatment options, speak with your psychiatrist about the risks and benefits of potential medications, as well as the potential effects of leaving symptoms untreated. You can also ask about other possibilities, like taking an alternative medication or coordinating your breastfeeding schedule with the timing of medication doses.
Back to topDo I have to be pregnant to have postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression doesn’t only affect new mothers or birthing people – their partners can also experience symptoms, along with adoptive parents. (Postpartum depression in fathers is sometimes called paternal postpartum depression.)
Treatment is available for postpartum depression no matter which parent is experiencing it or whether they carried the pregnancy. The condition can be very difficult to live with – it can interfere with your quality of life and keep you from fully bonding with your child – and no one should have to endure symptoms on their own.
Back to topWant help understanding your symptoms?
The best way is to talk with a psychiatrist. Not ready? Answer these questions and we’ll provide a little help.
Some common symptoms of ADHD:
Behavioral: hyperactivity, impulsivity, fidgeting, irritability, lack of restraint
Cognitive: absent-mindedness, trouble focusing, trouble paying attention, short attention span, indecisiveness, forgetfulness
Mood: anger, anxiety, boredom, excitement or mood swings
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How to get started
If you think you might have an anxiety disorder, Talkiatry can help. The best way to start is to take our free assessment, and see if Talkiatry is the right fit for you. Based on your needs, you’ll be matched with one of our expert psychiatrists and you’ll be ready to schedule your first appointment in just a few days.
In patients with anxiety, a treatment plan at Talkiatry may look like this:
Expect to hear a bit about your psychiatrist’s background and availability, and then to share exactly what brought you in. You may be asked about your medical history, day-to-day life, and goals and expectations for treatment. If you’re nervous about a particular element of treatment—say, taking anti-anxiety medications—we want to hear about that, too. Your Talkiatry psychiatrist knows that the best treatment plan is the one you’ll stick to, so they’ll work with you to make sure Talkiatry is the best fit for you and come up with a plan you're comfortable with.
Receive your personalized treatment plan, which may include a combination of medication and supportive therapy.
Continuous care will include adjusting your treatment plan as needed.
About Talkiatry
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.
