A significant crisis in maternal health has emerged in the US, with a rapid increase in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders rates. This discrepancy has become more pronounced in recent years. According to experts, there are various reasons for this, with social and policy inequalities being among the main factors. One particularly noteworthy aspect is the prevalence of prenatal mood disorder and anxiety among women who have given birth between 2008 and 2020.
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According to a survey involving approximately 750,000 insured women, experts suggest that 19.01% of these women experience prenatal mood disorders and concerns. The rapid rise in these figures is causing heightened anxiety for all involved.
To address these issues, it is imperative to implement affordable healthcare services aimed at improving maternal health. These services should be accessible to all women, including those from middle-class backgrounds, by ensuring that prices are kept low. Currently, 70% of women are unable to benefit from these care processes due to their high costs.
First, it is necessary to understand what perinatal mood and anxiety disorder entail. These conditions are illnesses that occur during pregnancy or after childbirth, including adoption. They encompass a range of mental health issues experienced by mothers during this critical period. Pregnant women or new mothers may undergo a form of mental distress characterized by heightened concerns and negative thinking, which can significantly impact their well-being.
What is Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders?
Some other symptoms are also associated with this type of mental illness, falling under the same category of the disease.
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- PTSD
If experts believe that this figure in the US is quite concerning, where one out of every five pregnant women is suffering from this illness, recent observations reveal that not all cases are confined to pregnancy; in fact, every eighth woman is experiencing this condition post-birth. Many factors contribute to the prevalence of this illness, including dietary habits among women.
It is very important to prevent perinatal mood and anxiety disorders by ensuring that a woman receives proper care during the period from pregnancy to 12 months after childbirth. To prevent perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, it is necessary for pregnant women to receive the required education and screening tests.
Any pregnant woman can suffer from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, but certain factors can increase the risk more rapidly. These factors include the following.
- Stressful lifestyle
- Low social support
- History depression or anxiety
- Family history of depression
- Complication in pregnancy
- Pregnancy with pre gravida or post gravida
How To Prevent PSTD
To prevent perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, it’s essential for any pregnant woman to maintain a healthy lifestyle, prioritize her happiness, and take care of her health, especially during pregnancy. Additionally, ensuring a positive environment for both the pregnant woman and her family members is crucial. It’s advisable for the pregnant woman not to overexert herself with work, particularly if she already has children, and not to neglect family healthcare responsibilities, especially concerning the first child.
The issue of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder may not seem very serious unless there’s a history or it reaches a severe level. However, this condition can be effectively managed, particularly in its early stages. Early intervention is recommended to maintain control. The government has also implemented various effective schemes aimed at preventing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in pregnant women.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorder may not be inherently dangerous, but it’s crucial to control and address them effectively. Pregnant women must prioritize their health, particularly their mental well-being, by avoiding mental pressure and excessive worrying, which can exacerbate conditions like PTSD. Additionally, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate fluid intake during meals.