Dr Lui Yit Shiang (Psychiatrist). Check out his profile via our Doctor’s Directory Page.
How Frequent Is Perinatal Mental Health Issue? Which Periods Should Mothers Or Their Family Be Concerned?
- In Singapore, Postnatal Depression Affects 1 In 14 Women And Antenatal Depression Affects 1 In 8
Women. The Pandemic Has Seen A Marked Increase.
- World Health Organization Estimates 10% Of Pregnant Women And 13% Of New Mothers Will Experience A Mental Disorder.
- According To Guidelines Published By Maternal Child Health Research Institute, Improving Awareness And Initiating Conversations About Mental Health Start From Preconception And Span Antenatal Surveillance All The Way To Postnatal Care.
It Should Be Normal To Feel Sad When I Am Pregnant And Following The Delivery Of My Child. When Should I Be Worried Enough To Seek Help?
- Baby blues are very mild mood swings which can occur shortly after the arrival of the newborn. It is short lived and disappears usually by the tenth day post labour.
- However, postnatal depression comes with a constant low mood, persistent fatigue (even after rest), and loss of interest in everything else including caring for the baby. There is negative thinking towards the baby for weeks after childbirth. This needs a psychiatric assessment and treatment.
We’ve Often Heard Of Post-natal Depression. What About Other Mental Health Issues That Occur During Perinatal Period?
- Perinatal OCD (or obsessive compulsive disorder) presents with repetitive thinking or recurrent images related to the well being of the newborn child or baby to be. There is excessive worrying and escalating anxiety with compulsive checking or cleaning in response to these unwanted thoughts.
- Symptoms in postpartum psychosis may appear by the second week after childbirth, and there are very labile mood swings alternating between the very low and the very high. The person may be out of character, alternating between being very talkative or becoming suddenly withdrawn. The person may hear voices or start having intense paranoid or suspicious thinking towards the loved ones or the baby. Getting psychiatric help is extremely important in this situation.
Are Psychiatric Medications Harmful For The Baby?
- There is no good evidence that antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers or
benzodiazepines are safe for pregnancy use. These agents have the potential to cause birth
defects.
- A decision to use the agents is carefully weighed between the risks and benefits of the
medication, alternative treatment options (such as psychotherapy or neurostimulation) and
the danger the unwell mother may pose to the unborn child or herself.
- The psychiatrist will be the best person to have this conversation with.
If The Baby Is Unharmed, I Can Tolerate The Highs And Lows Of The Emotions As A Mother. Why Should I See A Psychiatrist?
- Postnatal depression comes with A constant low mood, persistent fatigue (even after rest), and loss of interest in everything else including caring for the baby.
- There is negative thinking towards the baby for weeks after childbirth. Infanticide is A serious situation. This needs A psychiatric assessment and treatment.
I Noticed My Wife/Daughter/Grand daughter Faring Poorly In Their Mental Health. How Should I Convey My Worries And Concerns?
- Encourage Them To Get Help. Otium Is Available To Listen.
- Try “Mental Health First Aid” Even As Your Loved Ones Are Still Thinking About Getting
Psychiatric Help.
- Mental Health First Aid Includes Very Simple Steps That You Can Adopt, Like
- Finding Someone Close To Talk With, Because “A Burden Shared Is A Burden Halved”.
- Keep Active As Much As Possible, So One Can Thrive On Positive Energy.
- Keep A Balanced Diet And Avoid “Stress-snacking”.
- Re-create A Proper Sleep Routine.
- Try Out New Relaxation Activities.
- Learn And Practise Self-compassion And Mindfulness.
Dr Lui yit Shiang (Psychiatrist)
