TODAY -

Pregnancy and mental health

Dr Meesha Haorongbami *



Pregnancy is often considered to be a wonderful and exciting time in any woman’s life. Pregnant women are said to emit a “pregnancy glow” (due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow) and this “glow” is often meant to signify the joy and satisfaction of carrying a new life within. Unfortunately, not every woman is lucky enough to feel this way.

The period during pregnancy and after delivery (post partum period) brings a mix of feelings in many women most of which tends to be not-so-good. Around the world, 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women in post partum period undergo some form of mental health problems. Prevalence is slightly higher in developing countries: 15.6% and 19.8% respectively.

Mental health issues during and after pregnancy causes tremendous suffering and disability along with reduced response to child’s needs. This ultimately negatively affects newborns and young infants who are highly sensitive to the environment and the quality of care.

Though every woman is susceptible to mental health problems during and after pregnancy, the following appears to be risk factors:

1. Lack of social support
2. First time pregnancy
3. Unplanned pregnancy
4. Lower socioeconomic status
5. Exposure to violence or conflict situations or natural disasters
6. History of mental illness
7. Family history of mental illness
8. Relationship difficulties
9. Unrealistic expectations of motherhood
10. Traumatic or complicated birth
11. Sick or unsettled baby

Various hormonal, emotional, and physical changes take place during pregnancy, delivery and the period thereafter. This inevitably takes a toll on your day to day life. Struggling with a mental health issue on top can make you feel even more isolated. Pregnancy itself may trigger or worsen a pre-existing mental health issue.

Eg. Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa may be triggered by the stress of pregnancy. Pregnancy or post partum stress can either trigger mood disorders in a predisposed woman or worsen the disorder.

Some of the debilitating mental health problems encountered during and after pregnancy are:

1. Anxiety

Pregnancy and childbirth are major life events. They require numerous life-changing decisions to be made and numerous accommodations to be considered. At the same time, it puts women into situations outside their comfort zone. These factors, along with the various hormonal and physical changes accompanying pregnancy and childbirth, can lead to anxiety.

30% of women have some form of anxiety during pregnancy while a minority has severe anxiety which might prompt a healthcare professional to diagnose her with an anxiety disorder. Some women would have had anxiety before the pregnancy, some would have during the pregnancy and in others pregnancy can worsen a pre-existing case of anxiety.

It is seen more in genetically predisposed women and those undergoing some stressful event(s) such as financial difficulties or interpersonal relationship problems. Those with an anxious temperament usually manifest with anxieties during pregnancy and childbirth and their anxieties are usually concerned with their baby’s health or fear of the birthing experience. They might have anxieties leading up to birth, and fears, worries and insecurities about being a parent. Medical checkups can be stressful for them too.

2. Baby Blues

This is a fairly common mental health problem affecting 30%-75% of women who give birth. Symptoms occur 3-5 days after delivery and are usually characterised by tearfulness, mood swings, anxiousness and feeling overwhelmed. There might be occasional sleep disturbances or mild feelings of guilt and/or inadequacy. Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming the baby are rarely, if at all, present.

Baby blues are present in all cultures and socioeconomic classes. It is due to the rapid changes in women’s hormonal levels, the stress of childbirth, and the awareness of the increased responsibility that motherhood brings. The good news is that these symptoms resolve on their own and no specific treatment is required other than support and affirmation from your spouse and family members.

If, however, the symptoms don’t shift or worsens even after a week, seek help from a mental health professional as it could be a sign of progress to depression. Having a newborn is hard work and feeling low and overwhelmed is all part of being a new parent. Yet, those feelings shouldn’t simply be taken for granted.

3. Post Partum Depression (PPD)

This affects 10%-15% of women who give birth. Symptoms start within 3-6 months after delivery and may persist for months to years, if left untreated. Lack of support to new mothers is the major stressor for development of PPD. It is also strongly associated with a past history and/or a family history of mood disorder.

Common symptoms include:

(a) Low mood for most time of the day for several days and weeks
(b) Decreased desire for social interaction
(c) Insomnia
(d) Poor appetite
(e) Fatigue
(f) Irritability
(g) Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby
(h) Decreased concentration
(i) Problems with decision making capabilities, etc.

Women with PPD may have difficulty bonding with their baby and get no sense of enjoyment in the company of their baby. They may also feel indifferent towards the needs of their baby. This can further cause emotional problems in the mother and thereby continue the circle.

While there is no conclusive evidence that baby blues will lead to a subsequent episode of depression, it is advisable to seek professional help if baby blues do not subside in two weeks. Treatment should be started at the earliest as PPD may lead to the most lethal and heartbreaking, yet preventable, of all outcomes- suicide and/or infanticide.

Treatment depends on the severity of the illness and can include counselling and antidepressants. Due to the risk of transmitting antidepressants to newborns during lactation, the risks and benefits will be heavily considered by the treating doctor. You can rest assured that the safety and welfare of you and your baby will be given the highest consideration.

4. Post partum psychosis (PPP)

Also known as puerperal psychosis, PPP is one of the most serious psychiatric events seen in post partum period. It is characterised by the mother’s depression, delusions, and thoughts of harming either herself or her infant. Such ideation of suicide and infanticide, though rare, requires prompt intervention as there have been reports of women acting on these ideas.

Thankfully, the incidence of PPP is rare i.e. 1-2 per 1000 childbirths. The symptoms begin within days of delivery and almost always within 20 days of delivery. Characteristically, the new mother begins to complain of fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, tearfulness, and mood swings. Later, suspiciousness, confusion, irrational statements, delusions, and hallucinations may appear.

Once the florid psychosis occurs, she may be a danger to herself or to her baby. PPP is caused by interplay between various factors such as genetic predisposition, severe sleep deprivation, rapid hormonal change post-delivery and the physical stress of delivery. It is a psychiatric emergency and it requires prompt consultation and treatment. Drugs are the treatment of choice in the acute stage.

Close monitoring of the mother to prevent harm to herself or to the newborn is absolutely vital. The mother is usually helped by contact with her baby if she so desires, but the visits must be under close supervision. Psychotherapy is initiated after the period of acute psychosis and therapy is usually directed at helping the woman accept and be at ease with the mothering role.

As stated above, mental health issues are common during pregnancy and after pregnancy. This doesn’t mean that they should be considered normal or just another part of your pregnancy. In ideal circumstances, physical, mental, social, and financial factors should be taken into consideration by couples before conceiving a child.

One should be mentally prepared to undergo a journey like pregnancy and motherhood which can be as exhausting as it is rewarding. Even if your obstetrician doesn’t ask you about your psychological status during and after pregnancy, it is essential to speak up about how you’re feeling- for the good of your own as well as your baby and your family.

It is understandable that one would feel scary and hesitant about broaching up a topic which feels stigmatizing but it is imperative to know that you are not alone. Mental health problems, during or after your pregnancy, doesn’t have to be a problem for you or your baby.

With the support of your loved ones and adequate and timely management by healthcare professionals , your experience of pregnancy and motherhood can be positive rather than filled with dread.


* Dr Meesha Haorongbam wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The author can be reached at meeshahao(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was webcasted on July 16 2020 .



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #8
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • The fight for survival in Manipur
  • A call for unity from displaced voices
  • COVID-19: Update 08 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Dogs Are Staying on the Ground :: Poem
  • Football Tournament at Heinoukhongnembi
  • Condemns Kuki Inpi's Directive
  • Installation Ceremony of Lions Club, Imphal
  • All that can go wrong has gone wrong
  • Manipur peaceful from Delhi's perspective
  • Bashanta Ras @Govindaji #2 : Gallery
  • Hypocrisy & the betrayal of sovereignty
  • Healing with Art for children concluded
  • Manipur : Champions 24th Junior Natl Wushu
  • Path to Becoming a Leader Who Inspires
  • Van Mahotsav 2025, festival of life
  • The Flavours of Life :: Poem
  • Assault on sensibilities of the media
  • Revival of MPP after years of bitter disputes
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 2 : Ooba Video
  • Jianreilung, Chingamba, Masounii : eMing
  • How Jessami conservation of Nongin
  • Shija Hospitals turns 40
  • COVID-19: Update 06 July 2025 : Manipur
  • The Indomitable Young Souls :: Poem
  • Growing network of drug dealers in country
  • Politics of SoO pact since 2008
  • No takers for disturbance-free education
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025