Postpartum Depression
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Overview
Pregnancy and the period after delivery can be a particularly vulnerable time for women. Mothers often experience immense biological, emotional, financial, and social changes during this time. Some women can be at an increased risk for developing mental health problems, particularly depression and anxiety.
Postpartum depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is defined as a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that happen in some women after giving birth.
Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer, and may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks.
According to the DSM-5, postpartum depression is a form of major depression that begins within 4 weeks after delivery.
Postpartum depression isn’t a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it’s simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby.
Baby blues
Up to 70 percent of all new mothers experience the “baby blues,” a short-lasting condition that does not interfere with daily activities and doesn’t require medical attention.
Symptoms of BB
Symptoms of this emotional condition may include
- Crying for no reason
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
These symptoms last a week or two and generally resolve on their own without treatment.
Difference between PPD & BB
Peripartum depression is different from the “baby blues” in that it is emotionally and physically debilitating and may continue for months or more. Getting treatment is important for both the mother and the child.
Risk factors of PPD mother’s
Untreated peripartum depression is not only a problem for the mother’s health and quality of life, but can affect the well-being of the baby who can be born prematurely, with low birth weight.
Peripartum depression can cause bonding issues with the baby and can contribute to sleeping and feeding problems for the baby.
In the longer term, children of mothers with peripartum depression are at greater risk for cognitive, emotional, development and verbal deficits and impaired social skills.
It should not be ignored that gestational carriers and surrogates are also at risk of developing peripartum depression.
PPD can be treated with medication and counselling.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Signs and symptoms of depression after childbirth vary, and they can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin earlier during pregnancy or later up to a year after birth.
Postpartum depression signs and symptoms may include:
- Depressed mood or severe mood swings
- Excessive crying
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
- Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
- Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
- Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Intense irritability and anger
- Fear that you’re not a good mother
- Hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
- Diminished ability to think clearly concentrate or make decisions
- Restlessness
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.
A woman experiencing peripartum depression usually has several of these symptoms, and the symptoms and their severity may change. These symptoms may cause new mothers to feel isolated, guilty, or ashamed. To be diagnosed with peripartum depression, symptoms must begin during pregnancy or within four weeks following delivery.