Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Pregnancy, birth and postpartum are times of significant changes for a woman and family. Hormones, loss of sleep, changes in family dynamics and stress/inflammation may contribute to mood and anxiety disorders. International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) recognizes that these disorders are common and treatable. Traditionally education was related solely to postpartum depression. It is now known that depression is only one component of a range of mood and anxiety disorders taking the name, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD). Promoting awareness of this range of disorders, enables clients and their caregivers to recognize the various symptoms and initiate coping strategies if this becomes a part of the perinatal/postnatal experience.