Although our society generally views pregnancy as a time of happiness and emotional well-being, studies suggest that up to 20% of women suffer from perinatal mood or anxiety disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder. Coping with the new emotions that pregnancy brings while managing symptoms of psychiatric illness can leave women particularly vulnerable to mental health issues during pregnancy and postpartum.
In this Q&A, Duke psychiatrist and specialist in perinatal psychiatry, Marla F. Wald, MD, discusses the importance of treating psychiatric conditions during pregnancy and in the critical postpartum period.
Read the Q&A on the Duke Health website.