Signs and Symptoms

Usually appears after the baby is born, but can emerge during pregnancy.


Baby Blues

  • Mild depression, anxiety, crying lasting up to two weeks.

​Postpartum Depression

  • Sad mood, irritability, hopelessness.  Symptoms are more severe and longer lasting than Baby Blues.

​Postpartum Panic Disorder

  • Excessive worry and fears

  • Anxiety, panic attacks

​Postpartum OCD

  • Repetitive, disturbing thoughts

  • Compulsive behaviors to reduce the thoughts

  • Horror about having those thoughts

​Postpartum Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

  • Recurring nightmares, excessive anxiety, reliving of past traumatic events

​Postpartum Psychosis

  • Delusions and hallucinations that require immediate medical attention

Risk Factors

If you recognize any of the following symptoms, you are at higher risk for developing perinatal adjustment problems.

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  • Previous experience with postpartum depression
  • Depression or anxiety during pregnancy.
  • Personal or family history of depression/anxiety
  • Abrupt weaning.
  • Social isolation or poor support
  • History of premenstrual syndrome. (PMS)
  • Mood changes while taking birth control pill or fertility medication
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • History of infertility
  • History of fetal loss

East Valley Maternal Wellness, PLLC

480-220-0582

1166 E. Warner Rd.  Ste. 101

Gilbert AZ 85296

Located between Lindsey and Val Vista

Michelle Lacy, MA, LPC 

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East Valley Maternal Wellness, PLLC

Why Didn't Someone Warn Me?Dealing with perinatal adjustment.




What it is...

  •  Women's emotional changes during pregnancy

  •  Usually during the first year after the baby is born

  •  Symptoms can very from mild to severe.


What mothers think and feel...

  •  "I feel like running away."

  •  "I'm a rotten mother."

  •  "I feel like I'm going crazy."

  •  "I think of hurting myself or the baby."


Perinatal Adjustment Symptoms Are Treatable


Remember....

  • You are not alone!

  • You are not to blame!

  • ​You will be well!