On this page, you will find everything you need to know about postpartum depression.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is a type of depression in which the mother may experience hormonal, physical, emotional, financial, and social changes after childbirth. It occurs in three forms:
Postpartum blues: Characterized by crying spells without any clear reason, usually starting in the first week and disappearing within three to five days, up to a maximum of two weeks. It does not affect the mother’s ability to care for or feed the child.
Postpartum depression: A more serious condition where the mother experiences frequent crying spells in addition to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and an inability to care for her child. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may begin in the first week and last more than two weeks.
Postpartum psychosis: This is a very severe and rare form of postpartum depression that requires medical attention. Symptoms appear rapidly and can for last several months, including mania, obsessions, auditory and visual hallucinations, and incoherent speech.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
Many mothers suffer from postpartum depression and may feel embarrassed by their symptoms, which can last for about ten days but may extend for weeks, months, or a year. Symptoms include:
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or guilt.
Excessive anxiety.
Loss of interest in hobbies.
Loss of appetite or not eating.
Crying spells without reason or excessively.
Difficulty sleeping or an excessive desire to sleep.
Difficulty concentrating.
Lack of interest in the child or feeling disconnected from the child.
Withdrawal from friends and family.
Suicidal thoughts.
Thoughts of harming the child.
What are the causes of postpartum depression?
Estrogen and progesterone levels increase tenfold during pregnancy but drop dramatically within 24 hours after childbirth, in addition to social, psychological, physical changes, and lack of sleep.
Furthermore, the levels of the thyroid gland, which helps regulate how your body uses and stores energy from food, might decrease, causing even minor depression symptoms.
Several factors might increase the likelihood of a mother developing postpartum depression, such as:
A personal or family history of depression, postpartum depression, or premenstrual disorders.
Limited social support.
Pregnancy complications.
Being a mother under 20 years old.
Having a child with special needs.
What are the methods of diagnosis?
There is no specific test to diagnose postpartum depression, but a doctor might assess your condition during your first postpartum visit. During this visit, the mother will be asked about her medical history and feelings since the birth, and some physical and pelvic examinations will be conducted. This visit usually occurs two to three weeks postpartum.
The doctor may use specific psychological scales to check for depression during this visit, so the mother should be honest in her responses to be diagnosed and assisted if suffering from postpartum depression. The doctor might also request a blood test to check for secondary causes of depression, like hypothyroidism.
What are the treatment options for postpartum depression?
Treatment involves several measures, depending on necessity, and may include:
Postpartum blues: Does not require medication but does need psychological and emotional support from family members. It should be observed if the episodes affect child care, and then assist the mother accordingly.
Postpartum depression: Requires treatment based on the type and severity of symptoms, including options like anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications and psychotherapy.
Postpartum psychosis: Treatment might include medication for depression, anxiety, and psychosis. If the mother does not respond to treatment, she may need to be admitted to a psychiatric facility for several days to stabilize her condition.
What are the ways to prevent postpartum depression?
It is not entirely possible to prevent postpartum depression, but certain warning signs increase the risk, based on which the following is advised:
Reduce visitors when returning home initially.
Sleep or rest when the baby sleeps.
Seek help from others in caring for herself or her baby.
Engage in physical activity such as walking or going outdoors, depending on the mother's health condition.
Talk to other mothers to benefit from their experiences.
What are the complications of postpartum depression?
The risk of postpartum depression increases if left untreated, posing greater danger to both the mother and the child, manifesting as:
Severe mood swings in the mother.
The mother's belief that she cannot take care of her child.
The mother becomes unable to concentrate or make decisions.
Increased thoughts of harming herself or her child.
Neglecting the child, which may cause growth issues.
When should you see a doctor?
Mothers should consult a specialist if they experience any of the following symptoms:
Thoughts of harming the self or the child.
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day, for two weeks.
Feeling anxious, panicked, or hopeless.
Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities almost every day for two weeks.
Persistent postpartum symptoms for more than two weeks.
Finding it difficult to accomplish household tasks.
Inability to feed and care for the child.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there a difference between postpartum blues and postpartum depression?
Yes, postpartum blues is a normal condition in which the mother may experience crying spells without a clear reason, lasting up to two weeks at most and then fading. Postpartum depression requires that symptoms persist beyond two weeks and significantly affect the mother's and child's quality of life.
The doctor prescribed an antidepressant. Can the medication transfer to the baby during breastfeeding?
If the mother is breastfeeding, she can take antidepressants; the level of transfer to the baby through breast milk is minimal, and there are safe options. However, these medications should only be taken upon the doctor's advice.
Can postpartum depression affect the newborn?
Yes, depression can affect the newborn; hence, it is crucial to seek treatment for both you and your child.
