Top main misinformation topics when it comes to Perinatal Mood Disorder (PPMAD)
- Myth - It’s rare.
Not true! 1 out of 8 women will experience PPMAD depression. - Myth - Worrying all the time about unintentionally harming the baby (for example, dropping the baby) means that they are crazy and unpredictable and will hurt their kids.
Not true! It just means that they are suffering from obsessive thinking regarding something that comes to mind of most people. - Myth - Perinatal depression happens always right after childbirth.
Not True! It can happen before birth or several months after. - Myth - It’s “normal” they can/will/should “snap out of it” eventually, won’t/ can’t have negative impact.
Perinatal mood disorder should and can be treated. Treatment results with a better prognosis to the mother and baby. - Myth - “Healthy baby is the only thing that matters”.
It may be the most important thing, but not the only thing. A healthy mother or a good relationship with the spouse (if present) matters a lot! These things have also implications on the baby’s wellbeing in the future. - Myth - Perinatal mood disorder’s symptoms are sadness and crying.
More symptoms that are common are: A lot of irritability, anxiety, insomnia, obsessive compulsive thinking, feeling guilty and overwhelmed. - Myth - Women cannot take medications when pregnant or breastfeeding.Not true! When relating to all risks and gains within a specific case taking medications could be much better than not taking and result in a much better outcome for the mother and the baby. It really depends on the case. People should listen to their physician!
- Myth - taking medications or going for treatment is being selfish and not putting baby first.
Not true! Taking care of the mother is taking care of the baby. If the mother is not well it will eventually affect the baby so going for treatment is the best thing the mother can do for the baby.
