What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Perinatal Anxiety - Triage

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for perinatal anxiety, you may feel relief from discussing your concerns with a healthcare provider. The provider will help assess your symptoms and suggest next steps. These might include self-care tips, referrals to counseling or therapy, or advice on medication if needed. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor your progress. It's important to watch for any worsening symptoms or new concerns and reach out promptly if they occur. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to get support during pregnancy or after childbirth, but it works best when combined with in-person care if needed. Remember, this guidance is educational and not a diagnosis. Always seek emergency care if you experience severe symptoms or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe panic attacks or overwhelming anxiety that prevent daily activities — contact emergency services or your provider urgently.
• Inability to care for yourself or your infant due to anxiety or depression — seek urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of perinatal anxiety symptoms.
• Providing education and self-care guidance.
• Referrals to mental health specialists or support services.
• Follow-up visits to monitor symptoms and treatment response.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as suicidal thoughts or severe panic attacks.
• Physical examinations that require in-person evaluation.
• Immediate medication adjustments requiring close monitoring.
• Treatment of co-occurring medical conditions needing physical assessment.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will review the information you shared during the visit. They may provide recommendations such as lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, or referrals to mental health specialists. You might receive educational materials or resources to help you understand and manage perinatal anxiety. If medication is considered, your provider will discuss options and possible side effects.

Follow-Up Care and Monitoring

Perinatal anxiety symptoms can change over time. Your provider may suggest follow-up telemedicine visits or in-person appointments to track your progress. Regular check-ins help ensure your treatment plan is working and allow adjustments if needed. Keep a symptom diary to share during these visits, noting mood changes, sleep patterns, and any side effects from treatments.

When to Seek Emergency Help

If you experience severe anxiety, panic attacks, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or inability to care for yourself or your infant, seek emergency care immediately. These are urgent signs that require in-person evaluation and support. Telemedicine cannot replace emergency services in these situations.

How to Prepare for Your Next Appointment

Before your next visit, gather any questions or concerns you have. Note any changes in your symptoms or new issues. Have a quiet, private space ready for your telemedicine session. Ensure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection. This preparation helps make your visit more effective.

Supporting Your Well-Being Between Visits

Practice self-care techniques such as gentle exercise, relaxation exercises, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. Reach out to trusted friends or family for support. Consider joining support groups for new or expectant parents. These steps can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, private space for your telemedicine visit.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to the internet.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how they affect you.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Have a list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
• Inform a trusted person about your appointment in case you need support.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care plan and recommendations given by your provider.
• Schedule and attend any follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits.
• Keep a symptom diary to track changes and share with your provider.
• Reach out promptly if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.
• Use recommended self-care techniques to support your mental health.
• Stay connected with support networks such as family, friends, or support groups.

FAQs

Can telemedicine visits fully replace in-person care for perinatal anxiety?

Telemedicine visits are a helpful way to start care and get support for perinatal anxiety. However, they often work best combined with in-person visits, especially if symptoms are severe or emergency care is needed.

What should I do if I feel worse after my telemedicine visit?

If your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider promptly. If you experience severe symptoms like thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek emergency care immediately.

Will my provider prescribe medication during a telemedicine visit?

Your provider may discuss medication options if appropriate. They will explain benefits and risks. Some medications may require in-person follow-up for monitoring.

How can I prepare for my telemedicine visit to get the most out of it?

Prepare by finding a private space, ensuring your device is ready, and writing down your symptoms and questions. Being organized helps your provider understand your situation better.

Are there self-care steps I can take between visits?

Yes. Gentle exercise, relaxation techniques, good sleep habits, and support from friends or groups can help manage anxiety symptoms between visits.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention.