What Are PMADs?
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), otherwise known as “postpartum depression,” is an umbrella term to encompass the many issues that can affect women/birthing people during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These disorders cause emotional and physical problems that make it hard to enjoy life and function well. Mood disorders, such as depression, can include symptoms of sadness, loss of pleasure, difficulty concentrating, and changes in energy, sleep, and appetite. Anxiety disorders often include symptoms such as excessive worrying, panic attacks, irritability, and obsessionality. See below for more specific descriptions of normal mood variations that occur with childbirth, as well as different types of mood and anxiety disorders that can affect pregnant and postpartum women/birthing people.
We help break down what these experiences can look and feel like — to remind you that you are not alone, and that help is available.
Transition to Parenthood
The transition to becoming a parent brings enormous shifts in identity, relationships, and daily life. It is common to feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or even disconnected during this adjustment. With the right support, it is possible to navigate these changes, feel confident, and find your footing.
Baby Blues
Up to 80% of mothers/birthing people experience the “baby blues,” caused by the abrupt shift in hormones immediately and up to two weeks postpartum. The “baby blues” are not an illness despite the feelings of sadness, mood instability, irritability, or extreme sensitivity. These symptoms should respond to support and usually resolve on their own, but if they persist beyond two weeks, it may be a sign of a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD).
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are the most common PMADs and can occur during pregnancy or postpartum and may even predate conception if untreated. Anxiety and/or depression may show up as persistent worry, guilt, panic, sadness, hopelessness, or lack of enjoyment in daily life. Disturbed sleep or changes in appetite may also be symptoms of anxiety/depression. These symptoms are not a personal failing, but a treatable medical condition.
Obessive-Compulsive Disorder
Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves repetitive unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that often revolve around safety or harm. Sometimes these are intrusive, frightening, and scary to talk about. Perinatal OCD is treatable with a variety of therapies and medication.
Birth Trauma or PTSD
The onset of Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be caused by a difficult or traumatic birth experience, or the reactivation of a past trauma. Symptoms of PTSD may include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, or heightened anxiety. With the right support and intervention, PTSD can be treated.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings – highs (feeling overly excited, energetic, or irritable) and lows (depression). A bipolar episode may be triggered by a severe lack of sleep and can be accompanied by psychosis (loss of touch with reality) in some cases. With expert assessment and treatment, those with bipolar disorder can be well and thrive in parenthood.
Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious medical emergency affecting 1–2 per 1,000 births, where a mother/birthing person loses touch with reality (though this can wax and wane). Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, or severe confusion. Immediate evaluation and treatment are critical, and with the right care, recovery is possible.