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Perinatal Mood Disorders Examined in Department of Health Community Education Day
The Putnam County Department of Health, in conjunction with the Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network, held the first of what will become an annual Community Health Education Day to promote awareness of perinatal health issues on Thursday, May 17. The topic this year was Perinatal Mood Disorders and the theme: "It Takes a Village…To Manage the Ups and Downs of Parenthood."
Between 15 and 20 percent of all women experience some form of pregnancy-related depression or anxiety and in some cases, the depression or anxiety can be very severe. All pregnant women and new mothers need to be aware of the potential for such mood changes to occur and speak with a health care provider if they do occur.
The Putnam County Health Department is a member of the Steering Committee for the Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network, which provides health promotion information aimed at improving birth outcomes in Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess, and Putnam counties.Information regarding perinatal mood disorders was distributed to all local libraries, nursery schools, and pediatricians offices in Putnam County. The Health Department has also collaborated with Putnam Hospital Center to promote the information through a number of programs that serve pregnant women and new mothers.
Perinatal Mood Disorders cover a range of illnesses including prenatal depression (during pregnancy), postpartum depression (after the birth) and postpartum psychosis. Prenatal depression affects between 10 and 20 percent of women during pregnancy. Symptoms of prenatal depression may include fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems, crying and anxiety.
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