Maternal Mental Health

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are a serious condition impacting up to 21 percent of women during and after the birth of a child. Having a baby is one of life's most beautiful experiences, however it can also come with significant emotional distress. Research has shown that PMADs impact women of every culture, age, income level and race. PMADs can have a significant impact on maternal behavioral responses and lasting impacts on a child’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioral health outcomes. Here at Alium Health we believe in screening and assessing our maternal patients at multiple steps during their pregnancy journey to ensure that we are able to provide support and treatment when symptoms of PMADs arise. 

 

Symptoms of PMADs can include feelings of sadness, mood swings, feeling overwhelmed, difficulty concentrating, panic attacks, nervousness and anxiety, excessive worry about your baby, feelings of inadequacy and guilt and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Having these thoughts or feelings does not mean you are weak or a bad mom, this is not your fault, there is treatment and help for you. If you are feeling any of the above symptoms, the sooner you get treatment, the better your well-being and your baby’s well-being will be. Don’t wait to reach out for help, it is available.