Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

40 per cent of new mothers feel anxious or depressed in first three months after giving birth, study finds

More than a third of women feel embarrassed by what their body is going through after birth

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Tuesday 14 May 2019 18:35 BST
Comments
New mothers often feel depressed or anxious after giving birth (Stock)
New mothers often feel depressed or anxious after giving birth (Stock)

More than 40 per cent of mothers in the US feel anxious, overwhelmed or depressed in the first three months after a baby is born, according to a new survey.

Part of the reason, according to researchers, is mothers prioritise their baby’s health over their own during the time period known as the fourth trimester, or the three months after the baby is born.

The survey, conducted by Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, also found more than a quarter of mothers did not have a plan in place to manage their own health after giving birth.

Of the women surveyed, researchers found that women under 45 were more likely to report that they experienced anxiety or depression, while only 31 per cent of women over 45 revealed they suffered similar issues.

Additionally, the survey found that 37 per cent of women felt “embarrassed by what their body was going through after birth”.

According to researchers, while most women revealed they were “equally concerned” with their health and their baby’s, 26 per cent did not have a health management plan in place.

Regarding the findings, Dr Megan Gray, MD, an OB/GYN at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital said: “The fourth trimester can be difficult and overwhelming for women as their bodies go through physical and emotional changes, and this time deserves the same support and attention as the first three trimesters.

“Seeing your doctor within a few weeks of delivery and sharing any concerns is critical to getting the care and treatment you need.”

Dr Gray also said new mums should not be afraid of talking about any issues they are experiencing, whether they are mental health-related or common things such as trouble breastfeeding.

“Just talking through some of the things they’re going through can help women realise that they’re not alone and that what they’re feeling is okay,” she added. “Asking for help will ultimately make you a better mum.”

According to Dr Gray, it is important women know that “not every woman is able to breastfeed” or that “your baby may not sleep at exactly the same time every day or drink the same exact amount of milk at each feeding, and that’s okay” - which she thinks will lessen some of the anxiety surrounding the fourth trimester.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Dr Gray also believes that the fourth trimester should be a standard part of prenatal care.

For postpartum support, you can contact Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773 or go here.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in