Dr. Surabhi Mathur provides perinatal mental health care at her clinic in Nirman Nagar, Jaipur, including planning pregnancy for women already on psychiatric medicines.
Understanding Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health
The 'baby blues', with tearfulness and mood swings in the first two weeks after delivery, are common and pass on their own. Postpartum depression is more intense and lasts longer, affecting the mother's ability to rest, bond and cope.
Perinatal psychiatry also covers anxiety and OCD during pregnancy, relapse of bipolar disorder after childbirth, and the rare but serious condition of postpartum psychosis, which needs urgent care.
Common signs and symptoms
- Persistent sadness, tearfulness or feeling overwhelmed
- Severe anxiety or constant worry about the baby
- Intrusive, frightening thoughts about the baby being harmed
- Difficulty sleeping even when the baby sleeps
- Feeling detached from the baby or guilty about being a mother
- Irritability, anger or loss of interest
- Confusion, unusual beliefs or very little sleep with high energy (seek urgent help)
Causes and risk factors
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after delivery
- Previous depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder
- Sleep deprivation and physical recovery from childbirth
- Lack of support, relationship stress or a difficult birth
When should you see a psychiatrist?
Consider booking an appointment if these difficulties have lasted more than two weeks, keep coming back, or are affecting your work, studies, relationships or daily routine. You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable; early treatment is usually shorter and more effective.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, go to the nearest emergency department or call Tele-MANAS, the Government of India’s free 24×7 mental health helpline, on 14416.
How Dr. Surabhi Mathur makes a diagnosis
Your first consultation is an unhurried conversation about your symptoms, how long they have been present, your medical and family history, sleep, stress and any substance use. Where needed, Dr. Mathur uses standard rating scales and may suggest blood tests to rule out physical causes such as thyroid or vitamin problems. You leave with a clear explanation of what is happening and a treatment plan you have agreed to.
What to expect at your first visitTreatment options
Assessment and counselling
A supportive space to talk, with CBT-based strategies for anxiety and low mood.
Safe medication planning
When medicines are needed, options with the best safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are chosen, weighing risks and benefits with you.
Pre-pregnancy planning
For women already on psychiatric medicines, adjusting treatment before conception to keep both mother and baby safe.
Family involvement
Helping partners and family share care, protect the mother's sleep and recognise warning signs.
How long does treatment take?
Postpartum depression usually improves within weeks to a few months of treatment. Seeking help early shortens the illness and supports bonding with the baby.
Why choose Dr. Surabhi Mathur in Jaipur?
- MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), Consultant Psychiatrist at Narayana Hospital
- Trained in psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Plans that combine therapy, medication and lifestyle care
- Strictly confidential, non-judgmental consultations
- Clinic in Nirman Nagar, open seven days a week
- Hospital care at Narayana Hospital when it is needed