Pregnancy Anxiety at the Emory Women's Mental Health Program

The Emory Women's Mental Health Program was originally founded in 1991 as the Postpartum Mood Disorders Program. The program was founded and directed by Zachary N. Stowe, M.D., a leader in the field of women's mental health. As the referrals for postpartum illness grew it became obvious that many of these women experienced symptoms during pregnancy, experienced more depression and anxiety with their menstrual cycles, and worried that such symptoms would return after subsequent pregnancies. The original program expanded to include women with infertility issues and endometriosis. Our clinical and research collaborations with colleagues in Psychology, Neurology, and OB/Gyn warranted changing the program name in 2001.

It is a common misconception that pregnancy represents a time of emotional well-being for all women. The rates and severity of most depressive and anxiety disorders do not decrease during pregnancy. Most of the information that is available to women gives the impression that pregnancy progresses without complication, pregnant women seldom need medications, delivery is uncomplicated, all babies are cosmetically perfect, and that breastfeeding is easy.

These 'perfect childbirth experiences' account for less than 15% of all pregnancies. Unfortunately, these misconceptions lead to a greater sense of failure for many new mothers. Similarly, the only time that postpartum emotional disturbances are discussed in the news is when something terrible has happened. Very, very few women with postpartum emotional disorders ever pose a threat to their to babies.

The major clinical focus of the program is the identification and treatment planning for women with emotional disorders as they progress through the childbearing years. The program offers comprehensive education, information, and treatment planning for women with a history of psychiatric illness as they consider starting their families, including women currently in infertility programs.

We specialize in the identification and treatment of mental illness during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The Emory Women's Mental Health Program is one of the few university centers conducting research in these areas. The combination of clinical research with ongoing clinical treatment planning provides access to the latest information.

For more information, please click here: Pregnancy Anxiety >>