Getting ready for another baby can be exciting, but if you’ve experienced Pregnancy or Postpartum Depression (PPD) or Pregnancy or Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) before, it’s natural to feel worried. It can be overwhelming to think about possibly facing those feelings again and you’re not alone in having these concerns. Many women who have gone through PPD or PPA share the same hesitations about getting pregnant again. I have found that knowledge, preparation and connecting early with a maternal mental health specialist like myself can help ease some of these fears.
Understanding what might occur and preparing yourself can make a big difference. You can look at early signs of PPD and PPA, set realistic goals, and plan ways to manage any anxiety or depression if they appear. By creating a strong support network around you, you’re giving yourself a better chance to manage the ups and downs that might come your way. Let’s explore how you can assess your risk and get ready for this important life step.
Assessing Your Risk For Recurrence
If you’ve had postpartum depression or anxiety before, you could be wondering how likely it is to experience it again. Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression with a first child affects about 1 in 7 new moms but if you’ve had maternal depression before, the Cleaveland Clinic reports that your risk increases to 30% each pregnancy. There is a lack of research on Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety but we do know that it affects 10-20% of women and a history of anxiety prior to becoming a mom is an important risk factor too.
This Article Discusses:
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Reasons You Might Experience PPD or PPA With One Baby But Not Another
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Preparing for Another Pregnancy
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Strategies to Lower Your Risk
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Building a Support System
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Making the Decision That’s Right for You
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Whatever you decide, give yourself grace. This isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about doing what feels right for you. With preparation, information, and the right support, you can feel more confident facing what’s ahead. We’re here to help guide you through each step.
If you’re thinking about trying for another baby and want to feel more confident in your decision, take some time to explore how we at the Postpartum Depression Alliance of IL How We Can Help.
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