Some women develop depression and anxiety when they are pregnant and/or after giving birth. Women may experience deep sadness, crying spells, problems with sleep and appetite. They may feel disoriented and confused, having trouble keeping track of things that they used to. Sometimes they may have a hard time feeling connected to their baby. This can trigger overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame.
Many moms experiencing this feel like they are not good enough. They may even have difficulty coping, be terrified of being left alone with their baby, or wondering if someone else would be a better mom.
Some women experience panic attacks during pregnancy or after birth. They may feel like they are having a heart attack, have difficulty breathing, feel as if someone is sitting on their chest, heart palpitations, numbness, and/or tingling. Sometimes this can even occur in their sleep and wake them up.
Unexpected, scary, or challenging events during pregnancy or childbirth can trigger a traumatic stress response for some moms. Moms may also find that the process of becoming a mother may trigger painful reminders of past traumatic events in their lives, such as abuse, neglect, or assault.
