Few words trigger a wider range of
emotional reactions in women than, "You're pregnant!" Some women are
simply ecstatic about their new pregnant state and almost ready to name the
baby they won't meet for many months. Other women are frightened and uncertain
about their condition and not quite ready for the upheaval a child can bring.
Yet no matter how a woman reacts psychologically, ignorance is never bliss when
it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. The more information a woman has about
this special time, the better equipped she is to meet its challenges.
In
almost no other stage of life are there so many changes and challenges in such
a brief time. For most women, pregnancy lasts approximately
During
pregnancy, a woman is really two people at once; she's eating, breathing, and
being responsible for her own health as well as that of her baby. It is an
exciting time, but one that can be filled with conflicting emotions. Most
pregnant women face uncertainties about pregnancy and some anxiety about what
the future holds. You can be better prepared if you plan for your pregnancy and
what it will entail, understand the changes that are taking place and learn
ways to cope with them, and become actively involved in your prenatal care.
A
woman who is planning to become pregnant may benefit from preconceptional
care (see "Components of Preconceptional
Care"). Such care is usually provided by an obstetrician-gynecologist. It
is designed to identify risks or problems before pregnancy, provide information
about any special needs a woman may have to prepare for pregnancy, and make
sure a woman is as healthy as possible before she becomes pregnant.
|
Components of Preconceptional Care The
following items may be covered during a preconceptional
visit:
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Preconceptional care is important because the organs of the fetus
(unborn baby) begin to form as early as day
Every
month, at about day
The
outer cells start to spread into the lining to form a blood supply right next
to the mother's blood system, called the placenta.The
placenta is actually a life- support system because it provides the fetus with
food and oxygen and takes away waste products. The placenta also produces human
chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone which signals
the beginning of a new life. This hormone maintains the corpus luteum in the ovary which provides progesterone to the
growing fetus.
|
How to Calculate Your Due Date To
calculate your due date...
This
is only a guide. Very few women actually deliver their babies on this
expected day of arrival. |
The
placenta connects the mother and the fetus. The umbilical cord links the fetus
to the placenta. The fetus floats in a sac of amniotic fluid throughout
pregnancy. This fluid regulates the unborn baby's temperature and acts as a
shock absorber, protecting the fetus from injury.
Even
though every woman is different, in the first weeks after conception, some
early signs of pregnancy occur. Some of these symptoms may disappear completely
after the end of the first three months of pregnancy.
Kits
for home pregnancy testing are available in most pharmacies. All rely on a
chemical that, when combined with your urine in a little test tube, changes
colors in the presence of hCG.
Follow the directions of home kits carefully. Though up to
About
two weeks after a missed period, a doctor, nurse-midwife, or health care
practitioner can confirm the pregnancy by testing a sample of blood or urine
and examining the pelvic organs to detect changes that occur during pregnancy.
Make plans then to begin a prenatal care program.
Care
during pregnancy and birth can be provided by an obstetrician, a family
practitioner, or a nurse- midwife. Ideally, a health professional should be
selected before pregnancy. If you don't already have a doctor or nurse-midwife
in whom you have confidence and trust, start searching for one right away.
Recommendations can be made by family and friends, as well as the local medical
society.
The
To
check the credentials of any physician in a specialty, phone the American Board
of Medical Specialists' toll-free number,
Following
are some points to consider when selecting a health care provider:
The
setting for giving birth should also be considered. Some hospitals have
equipped labor rooms, called birthing rooms, with special beds and technical
supports so labor and delivery can take place in one room, instead of moving
the woman to a delivery room for birth. An alternative birthing center is a
facility separate from the hospital where women give birth. Some have a
relationship with a hospital so facilities can be shared and others do not.
Most have comfortable settings for childbirth.
An
interview with a provider being considered may be useful to answer these
questions or any others that arise. Once a provider has been selected, prenatal
care (a program of care for a pregnant woman before the birth of her baby)
should begin.
With
an uncomplicated pregnancy, visits to the doctor or nurse-midwife usually take
place once a month during the initial six months and then every two or three
weeks thereafter. The first visit is longer than the others and includes a
health history, a thorough physical examination (including blood pressure,
height and weight measurements), a health history, and tests. The internal
reproductive organs are examined to check for changes in the cervix and the
size of the uterus. Tests performed at the first visit include:
Some
tests may be repeated at subsequent visits. Other tests may be offered based on
risk factors (see "Prenatal Care"). These tests include those to
detect genetic disorders, some of which are offered routinely and some of which
are recommended for special circumstances. (See Chapter
After
the first visit, most visits can be brief. Each one, however, is a good
opportunity to ask questions and gather information on prenatal classes (see
"Childbirth Preparation"). Each prenatal visit includes:
At
each prenatal visit you should discuss with your doctor any changes that may
have occurred since the last visit. Also, share any concerns you have and
discuss how you should modify your lifestyle to promote a healthy pregnancy.
|
Prenatal Tests The
following prenatal tests may be offered to certain women based on their
patient histories and the results of routine tests: Maternal Serum Screening. Certain tests can be performed on the mother's blood to detect
substances from the fetus that could signal a birth defect. These tests are
usually offered to all women at about Ultrasound.
Ultrasound creates a picture of the fetus by beaming sound waves into the
body and reflecting them on a screen. It is done if there is a question about
the status or age of the fetus or to confirm the results of other tests. It
can be done at various times during pregnancy, depending on the reason. A
thin layer of jelly is rubbed on the mother's belly, and a handheld
instrument, called a transducer, is passed over it. Ultrasound determines
whether the baby is growing normally, positioning in the womb, abnormalities,
or if there is more than one fetus. Amniocentesis. For
an amniocentesis test, the fetal cells in the amniotic fluid are analyzed for
signs of birth defects. This test is performed between the Chorionic Villus Sampling
(CVS). A sample of chorionic villi, the fetal
blood vessels that form part of the placenta, is removed and analyzed for
this test. It is done at Fetal Monitoring. Two forms of monitoring may be done during pregnancy, usually in the
last |
When
the fertilized egg becomes implanted in the uterus it begins to divide and
grow. For the first
First Month
Second Month
Third Month
Fourth Month
Fifth Month
Sixth Month
Seventh Month
Eighth Month
Ninth Month
Full Term
|
Childbirth Preparation Childbirth
preparation can include lectures, exercise instructions, and tours of
maternity/obstetrics departments. They may combine several theories of how to
manage labor. There are various techniques. Most courses can be taken in a
hospital or privately. Lamaze. Named
after a French doctor, Fernand Lamaze, these
classes stress breathing exercises for each stage of labor, along with
relaxation techniques. Also emphasized is the need to focus on something
almost hypnotically to take your mind off your labor pains. Dick-Read. Grantly Dick-Read is a British doctor whose theories
and classes emphasize abdominal breathing and focusing on the feelings and signals
the body sends during labor. Bradley. The
method developed by La Leche. The Spanish phrase, the milk, is the name
of this organization founded in the |
Good Health During Pregnancy
There
are ways a pregnant woman can help ensure the health of her baby. They include
avoiding things that could be harmful to the fetus in crucial stages of
development. During the first three months of pregnancy, often referred to as
the first trimester, the unborn baby's organs are forming. Anything that the
mother eats, drinks, and breathes is passed on to the fetus. For this reason,
pregnant women should avoid things that can cause complications during
pregnancy or be harmful to the fetus:
To
maintain your health and that of your baby eat right to support the growth of
the fetus, exercise to strengthen muscles and ease discomforts, and get enough
sleep.
|
Where Does the Weight Go? ? A
woman of average weight should gain about
|
A
woman of normal weight should gain approximately
Exercise
can help a pregnant woman prepare for birth and make her more comfortable
during pregnancy. Although this is not the time to take up a hard new sport, if
you had been exercising before becoming pregnant, you could continue to do so.
Your exercise program may need to be modified because of some of the changes
that take place during pregnancy. Your center of gravity, and thus your
balance, changes with the added weight, and the
hormones of pregnancy cause joints to become more flexible and subject to
injury. When exercising, avoid becoming overheated or very tired, drink lots of
water, and move more slowly and without jarring motions. Moderate exercise,
such as swimming and walking, are good choices; exercises to strengthen back
muscles can relieve back pain. However, exercise while lying on the back
reduces blood flow to the fetus and is best avoided.
Changes During Pregnancy
A
woman goes through many emotional and physical changes during her pregnancy.
Each woman is different, however, and these changes don't occur in all women or
at the same times. Many of these changes are related to the pressure exerted on
various parts of the body as the fetus grows.
Emotions
Pregnancy
is a turning point in a woman's life. As with other phases of transition,
psychological issues may resurface during this time. Often the woman revisits
her own childhood experience and recalls the way in which she was raised.
The
first three months of pregnancy are a time of adjusting to, or coming to terms
with, the pregnancy. The middle of pregnancy is a relatively quiet time, during
which the woman begins the process of bonding with the baby. Knowing the sex of
the child in advance, which is available through some prenatal tests, may
promote bonding. The pregnant woman may withdraw from outside activities and
focus on her relationship with the baby's father and her home life. These
feelings continue to grow into the last part of pregnancy. There may be
increased anxiety and fear of problems about the delivery at this time.
Sexuality
Sexuality
changes during pregnancy. For some women, the increased levels of hormones
enhance their desire for sex during pregnancy. For others,
sexual functioning increases at certain phases and decreases at others.
A number of factors may interfere with sexual functioning. They include nausea,
physical discomfort, fear of harming the fetus, feeling less desirable with
increased weight, and bodily changes. Changes in the partner's responsiveness
are also a factor. Some men draw closer to their partner during pregnancy and
the postpartum period, but others may go through psychological changes, causing
them to withdraw from the relationship. The woman's new maternal role, and her
new physical appearance, may bring out unresolved conflicts in her partner.
Some
couples are concerned that having sex during pregnancy can harm the fetus. In
most cases it will not because the fetus is cushioned by the sac of amniotic
fluid. A couple may find it more comfortable to try different positions that
don't place pressure on a woman's abdomen. If there is a complication or
concern, the doctor or nurse-midwife may suggest that the couple abstain from
sex.
Sleeping Problems
Early
pregnancy is often associated with prolonged sleep and fatigue. Sleep
disturbance is also noted during pregnancy. For some women it may be the first
symptom of pregnancy. It is quite common for women to have difficulty falling
asleep or staying asleep at any given time during the pregnancy. Sleep may be
particularly disturbed as term approaches. Some women dream vividly. Sleeping
medications are best avoided because they could harm the fetus, especially
during early pregnancy. Warm baths, relaxation exercises, and lying on one side
propped by a pillow may help. (See Fig.
Backache
As
they get ready for the strain of delivery, joints and ligaments in your body
relax. The result could be a backache. Exercises can help promote good posture
and relieve aching muscles. To avoid back injury, avoid lifting whenever
possible. If you must lift, bend from the knees, keeping the back straight. Do
not lie flat on your back because the supine position can make it hard to
breathe, and reduce blood flow to the baby.
Breast Changes
One
of the first signs of pregnancy is tender breasts. The breasts continue to grow
and change throughout pregnancy to prepare for breast-feeding. The nipples and
surrounding skin might become darker, and the nipples and veins become more
prominent. A woman's bra size may increase to twice the original size during
pregnancy. Wear a comfortable cotton bra with wide shoulder straps and deep
bands under the cups. Late in pregnancy, a woman may notice a yellow, watery
fluid leaking from her nipples. This is called colostrum,
and it nourishes the baby in the first days of life. It is rich in protective
substances, called antibodies, which fight infection.
Breathing Problems
The
pressure of the uterus on the bottom of the rib cage can cause a feeling of
shortness of breath. The lungs do not have room enough to expand and take in
enough air. In late pregnancy just before birth, the fetus drops and this often
relieves that feeling.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Most
women have morning sickness -- nausea and vomiting -- during the first three
months of pregnancy. It usually, but not always, goes away in the middle of
pregnancy. The condition is worse when the stomach is empty. Eating a number of
small meals a day may help.
Heartburn,
or indigestion, has nothing to do with the heart. It is caused by acids from
the stomach that cause a burning sensation in the
throat and chest. Changes in the hormone levels during pregnancy slow digestion
and relax the muscles that keep the stomach acids where they belong. Again,
more frequent small meals instead of fewer large ones may bring some relief.
Avoid large, spicy meals or fried foods. Also, avoid exercising or going to bed
within two hours of eating. Your doctor or nurse-midwife may be able to suggest
something to counteract the acidity in your stomach.
Many
pregnant women are constipated during pregnancy. This is partly because of the
pressure from the fetus on the bowel and the hormones of pregnancy that slow
the passage of food. Exercise, eating foods high in fiber, and drinking fluids
can help relieve constipation.
Hemorrhoids
are enlarged or weakened veins near the anus. The baby's head creates pressure
on these veins, causing them to swell during pregnancy. Straining during bowel
movements makes the situation worse, causing itching, soreness, and perhaps
even bleeding. Increasing fiber and fluid intake, using products for treating
hemorrhoids and relieving constipation may help. You should of course consult
your doctor before taking any medication.
Skin Changes
A
dark line, called the linea nigra,
may appear down the center of the stretched stomach, and the skin may itch.
Skin on the abdomen and breasts must expand, often causing streaks called
stretch marks. There is no way to prevent these marks; many lighten after
birth. In some women, the hormones produced during pregnancy cause
a brown mask on the face called chloasma that often
fades after birth when hormones return to normal.
Varicose Veins
Swollen
and painful veins, called varicose veins, often occur in the calves, thighs,
and the vagina. They are made worse by poor circulation in the legs, especially
during long periods of standing. Special support stockings can be worn to
relieve aching, sore legs. Also helpful is lying on your side, with legs
elevated, as is floating in water. While standing, move
around as much as possible, lifting heels or toes to promote circulation.
Swelling
Most
women have some degree of swelling in the legs or the hands during pregnancy.
The face also may puff up because of the body's tendency to retain fluid.
Although extreme swelling can be a sign that the kidneys are not working
properly, some swelling is normal. Resting on your side with the feet elevated
can help. In the third trimester, floating in water can help relieve swelling.
Other Changes
Some
pregnancies require special care. In some cases this is known in advance. In
others, warning signs occur during the course of pregnancy and are detected
during prenatal care. Any warning signs should be reported to the clinician
right away (see "Warning Signs").
Miscarriage
Miscarriage,
also called spontaneous abortion, is the loss of a pregnancy before the fetus
can live on its own. It occurs in about
Miscarriage
usually cannot be prevented and often occurs because the pregnancy is not
normal. A miscarriage doesn't mean that a woman can't have children in the
future. There is no proof that stress or physical or sexual activity causes
miscarriage.
An
early warning may be vaginal spotting. Other signs of a miscarriage are pain in
the lower back, cramps in the lower abdomen, and heavy bleeding with clots.
After a miscarriage, a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) may be
necessary to open and clean the uterus. Loss of a pregnancy through miscarriage
is traumatic, emotionally as well as physically. Discuss any concerns about
current or future pregnancies with your health care professional. Special
tests, procedures, or medicine may be needed if a woman experiences a loss
after
|
Warning Signs Any
of the following symptoms could be a sign of a problem and require immediate
medical attention:
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Preterm Labor
If
labor begins before the
Problems with the Placenta
In
late pregnancy, bleeding can be a sign of problems with the placenta. The
placenta may pull away from the wall of the uterus (placental abruption), or it
may cover the cervix (placenta previa). Both of these
conditions can interfere with the oxygen supply of the fetus and require
medical attention. These conditions may be best treated with a cesarean
section.
Medical Conditions
High
blood pressure and diabetes can develop during pregnancy in women who did not
previously have these conditions. They often go away after delivery, although
they can recur. These conditions can become worse in women who had them before
they became pregnant. In either case, they require treatment.
High
blood pressure, coupled with protein in the urine and swelling, is called preeclampsia. Symptoms include headaches, swelling of the
hands and face, dizziness, blurred vision, sudden or uneven weight gain, and
stomach pain. It can cause seizures and preterm birth and should be treated
right away.
Diabetes
that occurs during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. Women with this
condition have too much sugar in their blood because the hormones of pregnancy
alter the way in which the body processes sugar. When blood sugar is high, the
baby may become too large to pass through the mother's birth canal. Diabetes
may be controlled through diet, exercise, or insulin (the hormone that
processes sugar in the blood). Pills to control glucose are best avoided in
pregnancy.
Rh Disease
Antigens
are proteins found on the surfaces of blood cells that cause an immune
response. One type of antigen is the Rh factor. If
the mother's blood lacks the Rh antigen (Rh negative) and the father's blood contains it, the fetus
can get the antigen from the father and be Rh
positive.
The
blood cells from an Rh positive baby can cause an Rh negative mother to produce anti-Rh
antibodies as if she were allergic to the fetus. This is called sensitization.
Her antibodies cross the placenta, causing anemia or Rh
disease. This disease can be prevented by giving the mother a blood product
called Rh immunoglobulin (RhIG).
This product should be given at any time fetal blood might mix with mother's
blood -- for example, after an abortion, amniocentesis or chorionic
villus testing -- to keep antibodies from forming.
Once antibodies are formed, they do not go away. RhIG
is recommended at
No
two women experience exactly the same sensations during labor. Nor are all
labors and the accompanying contractions the same length of time. Even
expectant mothers who already have children can't be too sure about what might
happen. Each baby is different, just as each birth experience holds surprises.
What's important is that you understand the various stages of labor and
delivery and, if possible, have someone available for support.
|
True Versus False Labor In
true labor, contractions are
In
false labor, contractions are Irregular and do not get closer
|
Stages of Labor
There
are two main parts of the uterus: the upper part is muscular and can expand --
its very top part is called the fundus -- and at the
bottom of the uterus the opening or cervix. In active childbirth, both parts of
the uterus work together, contracting and pushing the baby down until the
cervix dilates, or opens. The cervix is closed by a ring of muscles that
gradually opens and thins (or effaces) during labor. (See Fig.
A
woman's body gradually prepares for labor and delivery during the last weeks of
pregnancy. In those last weeks, the uterus may start to cramp. The cramps
become stronger as the due date approaches. These are called Braxton-Hicks
contractions or false labor. These contractions differ from true labor in a
number of ways (see "True versus False Labor").
About
Once
contractions begin, start timing how long each one lasts and how long it is
from the start of one to the start of the next and note the times. If the
contractions last
There
are three stages of labor. Changes take place in each stage, although they vary
from one woman to another.
First
Stage
The
first stage of labor begins when the cervix starts to open and ends when it is
fully open. It occurs in three parts: early, active, and transition. In the
hospital or clinic, an exam is done to see how labor is progressing.
Second
Stage
The
cervix is fully dilated and the baby is ready to be pushed out. Though it's
tough physical work -- especially in a long labor -- it may be more rewarding
and contractions may seem less intense. This stage includes the birth of the
baby.
As
the baby's head moves closer to the vaginal opening, it bulges and bumps
against the pelvic floor with each contraction. In between contractions, the
head may slip back inside. This back and forth motion is normal.
Pushing
should stop as soon as the head crowns or becomes visible, to prevent tearing
of your skin. At this point an episiotomy, or surgical cut, may be performed to
widen the opening. (See Fig.
In a
normal birth, the baby's head slips out first, face down. The attendant checks
to make sure the umbilical cord is not wrapped around the neck. The head turns so one side is lined up with the shoulders.
Fluid or mucus may need to be sucked from the baby's mouth and nose. With the
next contractions, the body slides out.
Third
Stage
After
the baby is born, the placenta is expelled. This stage may last up to
Pain Relief
Natural
childbirth has come to mean an awake, aware, undrugged
mother. It does not mean, as some people believe, a painless birth. (In
childbirth, some women have a lot of pain and some have much less.) Many women
wrongly feel they've failed if they can't stand the pain and need medication.
There are various options available, and you need not hesitate to take
advantage of them.
Epidural
Block
Epidural
anesthesia relieves pain during labor, by numbing the area from the waist down.
It takes about
Spinal
Block
Similar
to an epidural, a spinal block is injected into the spinal fluid sac and anesthesizes the body from the waist down. (See Fig.
Pudendal Block
An
injection is given shortly before delivery to block pain in the vagina and
rectum as the baby is born. It is one of the safest forms of anesthesia.
General
Anesthetic
Medications
that produce loss of consciousness can be used during cesarean delivery if
there is an emergency. One complication is aspiration, when food from a woman's
stomach enters the windpipe and lungs, causing injury. This is why a woman
should not eat once active labor has begun.
Pain
Medications
Drugs
can be injected into a muscle or vein to relieve pain. These drugs can have
side effects and slow the baby's reflexes and breathing. They usually are given
in small doses and avoided just before delivery.
Monitoring the Fetus
During
labor, the status of the baby is monitored by listening to its heartbeat. This
process, called auscultation, is done with a special stethoscope, or an
electronic fetal monitor, a machine which records the heartbeat.
Auscultation
The
heartbeat is monitored by a doctor or nurse, who listens to it at regular
intervals. Usually the heartbeat is checked and recorded after a contraction.
The frequency of monitoring depends on the stage of labor.
Electronic
Fetal Monitoring (EFM)
The
two kinds of EFM are external and internal. With external monitoring, an
instrument using sound waves (dopples ultrasound) is
attached to the mother's abdomen to record the heart rate of the fetus. With
internal monitoring, a small device called an electrode is attached to the
scalp of the fetus. Sometimes a tube called a catheter is inserted in the
uterus to measure uterine contractions. External and internal monitoring
techniques may be used together. Both techniques are done to assess whether the
fetus is getting enough oxygen and prevent stress. With internal monitoring,
the amniotic sac is broken for the device to be inserted in the uterus.
Assisted Delivery
Sometimes
the mother needs a helping hand. If she is having trouble during labor, or if
labor is delayed, the doctor may use certain tools designed to help speed
delivery.
Forceps
Forceps
are used to guide a baby through the birth canal; these metal instruments look
a little like two big spoons hooked together. Often forceps are used if a baby
seems to be in distress. During the pushing stage of labor, forceps can help an
exhausted mother.
Vacuum
Extraction
A
plastic or metal suction cup is placed on the baby's head during delivery;
vacuum extraction also helps speed up a delivery.
Oxytocin
Also
called pitocin, it is a drug that causes
contractions. It can be used to induce labor if a woman needs early delivery or
has passed beyond
Cesarean Delivery
In a
cesarean birth the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's
abdomen. Sometimes cesarean deliveries are arranged and scheduled in advance.
On other occasions, the decision for a cesarean delivery will be done on an
emergency basis because labor is not proceeding normally or the baby is having
difficulty. Some of the reasons for cesarean delivery include:
Because
cesarean deliveries are surgical procedures, recovery takes longer. Today, most
clinicians encourage women who had a previous cesarean delivery to try a
vaginal delivery, provided there are no reasons not to do so.
Having
a baby is hard work. New mothers need sleep, nourishment, quiet unpressured time to see and touch their new babies, and
lots of support. The mother's body undergoes dramatic physical changes as it
tries to shift gears and go back to its previous state. Many hospitals now send
mothers home within the first
Weight
Most
women lose at least
Breast-feeding
Women
who breast-feed need extra vitamins, minerals, and calories to support the
baby. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for a newborn baby because it
has special nutrients that help the baby grow and combat diseases (see Chapter
Cramps
As
the uterus contracts to its prepregnant size,
cramping sensations, called afterpains, may occur in
the lower abdomen for a few days. This happens more often if a woman is
breast-feeding. The cramps can be relieved with a mild painkiller. However,
most painkillers are passed along into breast milk and may be hazardous to the
newborn. Check with your pedatrician before taking
medication.
Painful
Urination
After
childbirth, the bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor may be tender and sore, making
every trip to the bathroom something to dread. What's more, eliminating all the
built up extra fluid causes more frequent urination. A warm shower can relax
the muscles and help ease urination, especially with an episiotomy.
Bleeding
Vaginal
bleeding occurs for several weeks; anywhere from two to six is considered
normal. If the mother is breast-feeding, bleeding might stop sooner. The flow
is bright red and heavy at first, turning brownish as the days pass and healing
begins. Nothing should be placed in the vagina, including tampons, until
healing is complete. Intercourse should be avoided.
Bowel
Movements
It
may take a day or so for stool to pass after delivery. Drinking lots of water,
walking, and eating high fiber foods can stimulate the system and get it back
in working order. Straining should be avoided. A laxative or stool softener may
help.
Episiotomy
Stitches
take up to
Sexuality
A
woman can resume sexual activity as soon as she has healed. The physical
effects of increased levels of hormones in breast-feeding women may reduce
sexual desire and function. Many women need extra lubrication. A woman may not
have menstrual periods if she is breast-feeding but she could become pregnant.
Select a method of birth control and begin using it soon after birth.
Postpartum
Depression
About
Postpartum
depression occurs in approximately
Postpartum
psychosis is the most severe form of postpartum psychiatric illness. It affects
a very small percentage of women who deliver. Postpartum psychosis is a medical
emergency and requires prompt professional attention. There may be severe
agitation, insomnia, and paranoia, as well as delusions and hallucinations that
can lead to suicide or an impulse to kill the baby. Despite its severity, the
prognosis for full recovery from postpartum psychosis is excellent.
Resources
Every
new mother should pick up at least one good book on child care. Your doctor or
midwife can give recommendations.