Red flags & when to go in person for Perinatal Anxiety - Triage

Audience: adult

Perinatal anxiety is a common condition affecting people during pregnancy and after childbirth. It involves feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness that may interfere with daily life. Many people find support and initial care through telemedicine, which can provide helpful advice and monitoring. However, some symptoms require in-person care to ensure safety and proper treatment. This guide helps you recognize warning signs (red flags) that mean you should seek face-to-face medical attention. It also explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for perinatal anxiety, how to prepare for a tele-visit, and what to expect afterward. Remember, this information is for education and triage only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby — seek emergency in-person care immediately.
• Severe panic attacks or overwhelming fear that do not improve — visit urgent care or emergency services.
• Hallucinations or losing touch with reality — go to emergency room without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate anxiety symptoms during pregnancy or postpartum.
• Providing education about perinatal anxiety and coping strategies.
• Monitoring symptom changes and medication side effects with follow-up visits.
• Referring to mental health specialists or support resources.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as suicidal thoughts or psychosis.
• Severe anxiety causing inability to care for self or baby.
• Medical emergencies or symptoms requiring physical examination or urgent intervention.

What is Perinatal Anxiety?

Perinatal anxiety includes feelings of intense worry, fear, or nervousness during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth. It may cause restlessness, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, or physical symptoms like a racing heart. These feelings are common but can sometimes become overwhelming and affect your well-being and ability to care for yourself or your baby.

When to Use Telemedicine for Perinatal Anxiety

Telemedicine can help you talk with a healthcare provider about your symptoms, get advice on coping strategies, and discuss treatment options like therapy or medication. It is often convenient and safe, especially if you have mild to moderate anxiety symptoms and no urgent concerns.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

Certain symptoms need urgent in-person evaluation. These include:

If you experience any of these, go to an emergency room or urgent care immediately.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

What Happens After the Telemedicine Visit?

Your provider may suggest therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. They might schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress. If your symptoms worsen or red flags appear, they will advise you to seek in-person care. Support from family, friends, and community resources is also important for recovery.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a private, quiet space for your tele-visit.
• Ensure your device has a stable internet or phone connection.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, concerns, and questions.
• Have your medication list and medical history available.
• Consider having a trusted person nearby for support if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider's recommendations for therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.
• Schedule and attend follow-up telemedicine visits as advised.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Engage with support networks such as family, friends, or support groups.
• Practice recommended coping strategies and self-care techniques.

FAQs

What is perinatal anxiety and how common is it?

Perinatal anxiety is intense worry or fear during pregnancy or after childbirth. It is common and affects many people, but symptoms vary in severity. Recognizing and addressing it early can help improve well-being.

Can telemedicine provide treatment for perinatal anxiety?

Yes, telemedicine can offer assessment, education, counseling, and medication management for mild to moderate perinatal anxiety. It allows convenient access to care but may not replace all in-person needs.

When should I go to the hospital instead of using telemedicine?

If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, experience severe panic attacks, hallucinations, or cannot care for yourself or your baby, seek emergency in-person care immediately.

How can I prepare for a telemedicine visit about my anxiety?

Prepare by choosing a quiet space, ensuring good internet or phone connection, writing down your symptoms and questions, having your medical history ready, and possibly having a support person nearby.

What should I do after my telemedicine appointment?

Follow your provider's advice, attend follow-up visits, use coping strategies, and seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or red flags appear. Support from loved ones can also be helpful.

Sources

1. Perinatal Anxiety and Depression — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Anxiety During Pregnancy — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Perinatal Anxiety Disorders — Mayo Clinic.
4. Postpartum Anxiety — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate in-person medical attention.