Puemperal Psychosis
We greet all our new mothers. We want to talk about one serious but treatable condition that can affect a few women after childbirth, called Puemperal Psychosis (also known as Postpartum Psychosis).
1. What is Puemperal Psychosis?
It is a rare but very serious mental health emergency that usually starts suddenly within the first 2 weeks after delivery (sometimes up to 12 weeks).
The mother experiences a sudden break from reality: she may hear voices, see things that are not there, have strange beliefs, or become extremely confused and restless.
It is NOT the common “baby blues” and it is NOT permanent madness. With fast and proper treatment, almost every woman recovers completely.
It affects only about 1–2 women in every 1,000 births, so it is uncommon, but when it happens it must be treated as an emergency.
2. Common Signs and Symptoms
Look out for these sudden changes, especially in the first 2 weeks after birth:
Hearing voices that no one else can hear
Seeing things that are not really there
Strongly believing things that are not true, for example:
– Someone wants to kill or steal the baby
– The baby is not hers or the baby is evil
– She has special powers or is a witchExtreme excitement, talking very fast, not sleeping for days
Severe confusion – not knowing the date, where she is, or who people are
Mood swinging from very high (over-happy, singing and dancing non-stop) to very low (crying, talking about death)
Wanting to harm herself or the baby (this is the most dangerous sign)
Acting completely different from her normal character
If you notice even one or two of these signs, especially with little or no sleep for 2–3 days, act immediately.
3. What Causes Puemperal Psychosis?
The exact cause is not fully known, but these factors greatly increase the risk:
Previous episode of puerperal psychosis after an earlier birth
History of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) or schizophrenia
Close family member (mother or sister) who has had puerperal psychosis or bipolar disorder
Severe lack of sleep after delivery (a very common trigger)
First-time mother
Suddenly stopping psychiatric medicines during or after pregnancy
Major stress or trauma around the time of birth
It is a medical illness, just like malaria or high blood pressure. It is NOT caused by anything the mother did wrong.
4. What to Do If Someone Shows Symptoms – Immediate Steps
This is a medical emergency. Quick action can save lives.
Never leave the mother alone, especially with the baby or anything sharp.
Gently take the baby away if she talks about harming the baby or herself.
Bring her to the nearest big hospital immediately or any hospital with a psychiatric unit).
If she refuses to go or becomes aggressive, call the emergency line 112 or the psychiatric emergency team.
Tell the doctors clearly: “We suspect postpartum/puerperal psychosis that started after delivery.”
She will most likely need admission for a few weeks and medication (safe) psychiatric medicines.
Most women start feeling better within days and recover fully with treatment.
5. Prevention Tips
Help every new mother get as much sleep as possible – family members should assist with night duties.
Women with a past history of puerperal psychosis or bipolar disorder should see a psychiatrist early in pregnancy or immediately after birth for preventive treatment.
Strong family and community support reduces the risk.
Key message:
Puemperal psychosis is treatable.
The mother is sick, not “mad.”
With quick help, she will recover completely and be able to care for and enjoy her baby.
About the Writer:
Mrs. Chinwendu Obileme is a highly qualified Mental Health/Psychiatric Nurse registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and brings a wealth of expertise to her new role as our Imo State Program Manager. Holding a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) and with extensive experience as a registered midwife, she has also contributed significantly to mental health initiatives through her work with the Nigeria American Institute for Mental Health.
If things are getting out of hand, please call us on +234 814 831 8965 or send us an Email at: info@copeandlive.foundation