Those who develop postpartum depression are at greater risk of developing major depression later on in life.
We would be educating on the possible causes, risk, solutions and management.
How Common is PPD? Very common
More than 1.5 million cases per year (Nigeria)
Treatable by a medical professional
Medium-term: resolves within months
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging not required
Treatment depends on severity
Untreated, the condition may last months or longer. Treatment can include counselling, antidepressants or hormone therapy.
PPD) is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that happen in a woman after giving birth. According to the DSM-5, a manual used to diagnose mental disorders, PPD is a form ofmajor depression that has its onset within four weeks after delivery. The diagnosis ofpostpartum depression is based not only on the length of time between delivery and onset, but also on the severity of the depression.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is linked to chemical, social, and psychological changes associated with having a baby. The term describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many new mothers experience. The good news is postpartum depression can be treated with medication and counseling.
The chemical changes involve a rapid drop in hormones after delivery. The actual link between this drop and depression is still not clear. But what is known is that the levels ofestrogen and progesterone, the female reproductive hormones, increase tenfold during pregnancy. Then, they drop sharply after delivery. By three days after a woman gives birth, the levels of these hormones drop back to what they were before she got pregnant.
In addition to these chemical changes, social and psychological changes associated with having a baby create an increased risk of depression
Overview
The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression.
Most new moms experience postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks.
But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth.
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.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of depression after childbirth vary, and they can range from mild to severe.
Baby blues symptoms
Signs and symptoms of baby blues — which last only a few days to a week or two after your baby is born — may include:
Mood swingsAnxietySadnessIrritabilityFeeling overwhelmedCryingReduced concentrationAppetite problemsTrouble sleepingPostpartum depression symptoms
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. 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 swingsExcessive cryingDifficulty bonding with your babyWithdrawing from family and friendsLoss of appetite or eating much more than usualInability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too muchOverwhelming fatigue or loss of energyReduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoyIntense irritability and angerFear that you're not a good motherHopelessnessFeelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacyDiminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisionsRestlessnessSevere anxiety and panic attacksThoughts of harming yourself or your babyRecurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.
Postpartum psychosis
With postpartum psychosis — a rare condition that typically develops within the first week after delivery — the signs and symptoms are severe. Signs and symptoms may include:
Confusion and disorientationObsessive thoughts about your babyHallucinations and delusionsSleep disturbancesExcessive energy and agitationParanoiaAttempts to harm yourself or your baby
Postpartum psychosis may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors and requires immediate treatment.
Postpartum depression in new fathers
New fathers can experience postpartum depression, too. They may feel sad or fatigued, be overwhelmed, experience anxiety, or have changes in their usual eating and sleeping patterns ― the same symptoms mothers with postpartum depression experience.
Fathers who are young, have a history of depression, experience relationship problems or are struggling financially are most at risk of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression in fathers ― sometimes called paternal postpartum depression ― can have the same negative effect on partner relationships and child development as postpartum depression in mothers can.
If you're a new father and are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety during your partner's pregnancy or in the first year after your child's birth, talk to your health care professional. Similar treatments and supports provided to mothers with postpartum depression can be beneficial in treating postpartum depression in fathers.
Types
Are There Different Types of Postpartum Depression?
There are three types of mood changes women can have after giving birth:
The "baby blues," which occur in most women in the days right after childbirth, are considered normal. A new mother has sudden mood swings, such as feeling very happy and then feeling very sad. She may cry for no reason and can feel impatient, irritable, restless, anxious, lonely, and sad.
The baby blues may last only a few hours or as long as one to two weeks after delivery. The baby blues do not usually require treatment from a health careprovider. Often, joining a support group of new moms or talking with other moms helps.Postpartum depression (PPD) can happen a few days or even months after childbirth.
PPD can happen after the birth of any child, not just the first child. A woman can have feelings similar to the baby blues -- sadness, despair, anxiety, irritability -- but she feels them much more strongly than she would with the baby blues.
PPD often keeps a woman from doing the things she needs to do every day. When a woman's ability to function is affected, she needs to see her health care provider, such as her ob-gyn or primary care doctor.
This doctor can screen her fordepression symptoms and develop a treatment plan. If a woman does not get treatment for PPD, symptoms can get worse. While PPD is a serious condition, it can be treated with medication and counseling.Postpartum psychosis is a very seriousmental illness that can affect new mothers.
This illness can happen quickly, often within the first three months after childbirth. Women can lose touch with reality, having auditory hallucinations(hearing things that aren't actually happening, like a person talking) and delusions (strongly believing things that are clearly irrational).
Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there) are less common. Other symptoms includeinsomnia (not being able to sleep), feeling agitated and angry, pacing, restlessness, and strange feelings and behaviors.
Women who have postpartum psychosis need treatment right away and almost always need medication. Sometimes women are put into the hospital because they are at risk for hurting themselves or someone else.
Tips for Coping After Childbirth
Here are some tips that can help you cope with bringing home a newborn:
Ask for help -- let others know how they can help you.
Be realistic about your expectations for yourself and baby.
Exercise -- within the limits of any restrictions your doctor may place on your level of activity; take a walk, and get out of the house for a break.Expect some good days and some bad days.
Follow a sensible diet; avoid alcohol andcaffeine.
Foster the relationship with your partner -- make time for each other.
Keep in touch with family and friends -- do not isolate yourself.
Limit visitors when you first go home.
Screen phone calls.
Sleep or rest when your baby sleeps!
Risk Factors
What Are the Risk Factors for Getting Postpartum Depression?
A number of factors can increase the risk of postpartum depression, including:
a history of depression prior to becoming pregnant, or during pregnancyage at time of pregnancy -- the younger you are, the higher the riskambivalence about the pregnancychildren -- the more you have, the more likely you are to be depressed in a subsequent pregnancyhaving a history of depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)limited social supportliving alonemarital conflict
Possible Treatment
How Is Postpartum Depression Treated?
Postpartum depression is treated differently depending on the type and severity of a woman's symptoms. Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressantmedications, psychotherapy, and participation in a support group for emotional support and education. For severe cases, intravenous infusion of a new medication called brexanolone (Zulresso) may be prescribed,
In the case of postpartum psychosis, drugs used to treat psychosis are usually added. Hospital admission is also often necessary.
If you are breastfeeding, don't assume that you can't take medication for depression, anxiety, or even psychosis. Talk to your doctor. Under a doctor's supervision, many women take medication while breastfeeding. This is a decision to be made between you and your doctor.
When Should a new Mom Seek Professional Treatment?
Untreated postpartum depression can be dangerous for new moms and their children. A new mom should seek professional help when:
symptoms persist beyond two weeks.she is unable to function normally.she can't cope with everyday situations.she has thoughts of harming herself or her baby.she is feeling extremely anxious, scared, and panicked most of the day.
When see a Doctor
When to see a doctor
If you're feeling depressed after your baby's birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your doctor and schedule an appointment. If you have symptoms that suggest you may have postpartum psychosis, get help immediately.
Helping a friend or loved one
People with depression may not recognize or acknowledge that they're depressed. They may not be aware of signs and symptoms of depression. If you suspect that a friend or loved one has postpartum depression or is developing postpartum psychosis, help them seek medical attention immediately. Don't wait and hope for improvement.
Causes
There's no single cause of postpartum depression, but physical and emotional issues may play a role.
Physical changes. After childbirth, a dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in your body may contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by your thyroid gland also may drop sharply — which can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and depressed.Emotional issues. When you're sleep deprived and overwhelmed, you may have trouble handling even minor problems. You may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn. You may feel less attractive, struggle with your sense of identity or feel that you've lost control over your life. Any of these issues can contribute to postpartum depression.Risk factors
Any new mom can experience postpartum depression and it can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first. However, your risk increases if:
You have a history of depression, either during pregnancy or at other timesYou have bipolar disorderYou had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancyYou have family members who've had depression or other mood disordersYou've experienced stressful events during the past year, such as pregnancy complications, illness or job lossYour baby has health problems or other special needsYou have twins, triplets or other multiple birthsYou have difficulty breast-feedingYou're having problems in your relationship with your spouse or significant otherYou have a weak support systemYou have financial problemsThe pregnancy was unplanned or unwantedComplications
Left untreated, postpartum depression can interfere with mother-child bonding and cause family problems.
For mothers. Untreated postpartum depression can last for months or longer, sometimes becoming a chronic depressive disorder. Even when treated, postpartum depression increases a woman's risk of future episodes of major depression.For fathers. Postpartum depression can have a ripple effect, causing emotional strain for everyone close to a new baby. When a new mother is depressed, the risk of depression in the baby's father may also increase. And new dads are already at increased risk of depression, whether or not their partner is affected.For children. Children of mothers who have untreated postpartum depression are more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems, such as sleeping and eating difficulties, excessive crying, and delays in language development.Prevention
If you have a history of depression — especially postpartum depression — tell your. doctor if you're planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
During pregnancy, your doctor can monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of depression. He or she may have you complete a depression-screening questionnaire during your pregnancy and after delivery. Sometimes mild depression can be managed with support groups, counseling or other therapies. In other cases, antidepressants may be recommended — even during pregnancy.After your baby is born, your doctor may recommend an early postpartum checkup to screen for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. The earlier it's detected, the earlier treatment can begin. If you have a history of postpartum depression, your doctor may recommend antidepressant treatment or psychotherapy immediately after delivery.
If you're feeling depressed after your baby's birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your doctor and schedule an appointment. If you have symptoms that suggest you may have postpartum psychosis, get help immediately.
Helping a friend or loved one
People with depression may not recognize or acknowledge that they're depressed. They may not be aware of signs and symptoms of depression. If you suspect that a friend or loved one has postpartum depression or is developing postpartum psychosis, help them seek medical attention immediately. Don't wait and hope for improvement.
Causes
There's no single cause of postpartum depression, but physical and emotional issues may play a role.
Physical changes. After childbirth, a dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in your body may contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones produced by your thyroid gland also may drop sharply — which can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and depressed.Emotional issues. When you're sleep deprived and overwhelmed, you may have trouble handling even minor problems. You may be anxious about your ability to care for a newborn. You may feel less attractive, struggle with your sense of identity or feel that you've lost control over your life. Any of these issues can contribute to postpartum depression.Risk factors
Any new mom can experience postpartum depression and it can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first. However, your risk increases if:
You have a history of depression, either during pregnancy or at other timesYou have bipolar disorderYou had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancyYou have family members who've had depression or other mood disordersYou've experienced stressful events during the past year, such as pregnancy complications, illness or job lossYour baby has health problems or other special needsYou have twins, triplets or other multiple birthsYou have difficulty breast-feedingYou're having problems in your relationship with your spouse or significant otherYou have a weak support systemYou have financial problemsThe pregnancy was unplanned or unwantedComplications
Left untreated, postpartum depression can interfere with mother-child bonding and cause family problems.
For mothers. Untreated postpartum depression can last for months or longer, sometimes becoming a chronic depressive disorder. Even when treated, postpartum depression increases a woman's risk of future episodes of major depression.For fathers. Postpartum depression can have a ripple effect, causing emotional strain for everyone close to a new baby. When a new mother is depressed, the risk of depression in the baby's father may also increase. And new dads are already at increased risk of depression, whether or not their partner is affected.For children. Children of mothers who have untreated postpartum depression are more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems, such as sleeping and eating difficulties, excessive crying, and delays in language development.Prevention
If you have a history of depression — especially postpartum depression — tell your. doctor if you're planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
During pregnancy, your doctor can monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of depression. He or she may have you complete a depression-screening questionnaire during your pregnancy and after delivery. Sometimes mild depression can be managed with support groups, counseling or other therapies. In other cases, antidepressants may be recommended — even during pregnancy.After your baby is born, your doctor may recommend an early postpartum checkup to screen for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. The earlier it's detected, the earlier treatment can begin. If you have a history of postpartum depression, your doctor may recommend antidepressant treatment or psychotherapy immediately after delivery.
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