Postpartum Depression : Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment
What Is Postpartum Depression (PPD)?
Moms often feel a little sad and tired after giving birth. This is called the “baby blues.” It happens to about 80% of new moms.It's normal to feel that way. Decoupage usually fades after a few weeks.
Postpartum depression is a different condition from the "baby blues." Postpartum depression can have different symptoms than the feelings of fatigue, sadness, and irritability that are common during the "baby blues."
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| Postpartum Depression (PPD) |
Pregnancy and childbirth can cause postpartum depression. About 15% of first-time moms and those who have delivered before experience it, which causes severe mood swings, exhaustion, and a sense of hopelessness. The intensity of those feelings can make it difficult to get out of bed or focus on anything. Caring for a baby or yourself is difficult.
Pregnancy can be a very joyful time, but it's not always easy. If you're experiencing postpartum depression, don't take it lightly - it's a serious condition that can be treated with treatment.
Medical terms
Postpartum depression (PPD) could be a complicated mixture of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that happen in some girls when giving birth. In line with the DSM-5, a manual accustomed to diagnose mental disorders, PPD is a type of major depression that begins inside four weeks after delivery. The identification of postpartum depression relies not solely on the length of your time between delivery and onset however on the severity of the depression.
Postnatal depression is joined to chemical, social, and psychological changes that happen when having a baby. The term describes a variety of physical and emotional changes that many new mothers experience. PPD will be treated with medication and counseling.
The chemical changes involve a speedy call in hormones when delivery. The particular link between this drop and depression continues to be not clear. However, what's famous is that the degree of steroid hormone and progesterone, the feminine procreative hormones, increase denary throughout pregnancy. Then, they drop sharply after delivery. By three days after a girl offers birth, the levels of those hormones move to what they were before pregnancy.
In addition to those chemical changes, the social and psychological changes of having a baby produce Associate in Nursing magnified risk of depression.
Most new mothers experience the "baby blues" when delivery. concerning one out of each ten of those girls can develop an additional severe and longer-lasting depression after delivery. concerning 1 in 1,000 women develop a more serious condition known as postnatal psychosis.
Dads aren’t immune. Analysis shows that about 1 in 10 new fathers get depression throughout the year their kid is born.
After having a baby, it's normal to feel moody and fatigued. PPD goes beyond that, as its symptoms are severe and can interfere with your ability to function.
Postpartum depression symptoms can vary from person to person and even from day to day. If you have postpartum depression, you may be familiar with several of these signs:
You feel sad and cry a lot even when you don't know why.
You're tired but you can't fall asleep.
You're getting too much sleep.
If you don't stop eating, then you're not interested in food.
You may be experiencing unexplained pain or illness.
You don't know why you're feeling irritable, anxious, or angry.
Your mood can change suddenly and without warning.
You feel out of control.
You have difficulty remembering things.
You will not be able to focus or make good decisions when you are feeling this way.
You've stopped enjoying the things you used to enjoy.
You are feeling disconnected from your baby, wondering why you don't feel as happy as you thought you would.
I feel overwhelmed and hopeless.
You feel embarrassed and ashamed of your feelings.
You feel like you can't open up to anyone because they'll think you're a bad mother and take your baby away.
You want to be by yourself.
If you have intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or your baby, that is a sign that you need help.
Your friends and family might notice that you're withdrawing from them and from social activities or that you just seem different.
The symptoms of postpartum depression usually start within a few weeks of delivery. It can take months for the condition to be diagnosed, and during that time the symptoms may wax and wane. If left untreated, the symptoms may continue to worsen.
If you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, you should see your doctor as soon as possible so that you can get started on treatment.
There are two main ways to treat postpartum depression: medication and therapy. Either treatment can be used alone, but they are more effective when used together. It is also important to make healthy choices in your daily routine.
You may need to try different treatments before finding one that works best for you. Keep in close communication with your doctor.
Medication
Antidepressants work directly on the brain's chemicals that regulate mood. They change the levels of these chemicals, which can take a few weeks to take effect.
Some people experience side effects while taking antidepressants. These may include fatigue, decreased sex drive, and dizziness. If side effects are making your symptoms worse, tell your doctor right away.
Some antidepressants are safe to take while breastfeeding, but others may not be. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
If your estrogen levels are low, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy. This will help to increase your estrogen levels.
Therapy
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional can provide counseling. Counseling can help you understand destructive thoughts and develop strategies for working through them.
Self-care
This part of treatment may be harder than it seems. Self-care means allowing yourself some slack.
You should not try to take on more responsibilities than you can handle. Other people may not instinctively know what you need, so it's important to tell them. Take some "me time" but don't isolate yourself. Consider joining a support group for new mothers.
Alcohol is a depressant, so you should avoid it. Rather, give your body the opportunity to heal by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising each day.
Treatment can help most women feel better within six months though it can take longer.
What are some natural remedies for postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is a serious condition that should not be treated without the help of a doctor.
Medical treatment can be supplemented with natural remedies, such as exercise and getting enough sleep. Massage may help you feel better. A diet high in nutrients but low in processed foods can help improve symptoms. If you're not receiving the recommended medical treatment, consider using meditation and other mindfulness practices to help feel better. You need to ask your doctor what dietary supplements might be helpful for you.
Supplements
Some people may find herbal remedies appealing. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way it does medications. The agency only monitors supplements for safety, without evaluating the validity of health claims.
Even natural supplements can interact with medications, so tell your doctor about all the supplements you're taking and in what amounts. Many things you take on a regular basis can end up in your breast milk--another reason to keep your doctor informed. I'm not sure.
There is not enough research to determine if using St. John’s wort to treat postpartum depression is safe.
There is some evidence that a lack of omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with postpartum depression. However, more research is needed to know if taking omega-3 supplements would improve symptoms.
There are many natural remedies for postpartum depression. Learn more about them here.
What causes postpartum depression?
The exact cause of postpartum depression is not known, but there are some things that may contribute to it. Postpartum depression may be caused by a combination of physical changes and emotional stressors.
Physical factors
After giving birth, one of the biggest physical changes involves hormones. While you're pregnant your levels of estrogen and progesterone are higher than usual. Within hours of giving birth, hormone levels drop back to their previous state. This sudden change may lead to depression.
Some other physical factors may include:
low thyroid hormone levels
sleep deprivation
inadequate diet
underlying medical conditions
drug and alcohol misuse
Emotional factors
If you have a history of mood disorders, you are more likely to develop postpartum depression.
Emotional stressors may include:
recent divorce or death of a loved one
If you or your child have any serious health problems, you cannot decoupage leaves.
social isolation
financial burdens
lack of support
Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that affects new mothers. There are many facts and statistics about postpartum depression, including the following:
Depression vs. the blues
About 80 percent of mothers have the baby blues in the weeks following childbirth. However, a 2013 study found that just 14 percent of mothers screened positive for depression. Out of those women, 19.3 percent thought about harming themselves and 22.6 percent actually did harm themselves. The person had previously undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
Risk factors Postpartum Depression
The study found that women who had depression were more likely to have other medical conditions.
younger
less educated
publicly insured
African-American
Onset
The study authors also found that by conducting home visits or phone interviews with 973 women:
Nearly two-thirds of pregnant women who experienced depression had it before they became pregnant.
About 33.4 percent of pregnant women started having symptoms during their pregnancies.
A majority of women experience symptoms after giving birth.
Getting help
Only about 15 percent of women who experience postpartum depression seek professional help. These figures only refer to women who gave birth alive. They do not include postpartum depression in women who have had a miscarriage or whose baby died before birth. That means the actual number of women who experience postpartum depression might be higher than we think.
Other statistics
Postpartum anxiety is common after childbirth. It affects more than one in six women who have had a child, and it is more common among first-time mothers.
Suicide is the reason for about 20 percent of postpartum deaths. It's the second most common cause of death in postpartum women.
Postpartum OCD is a rare condition. About 1 to 3 out of 100 childbearing women are affected.
Postpartum psychosis is a rare condition that affects 1 to 2 women out of 1000 after childbirth.
Some fathers experience depression in the first year postpartum.
A 2010 study found that 39 percent of mothers and 21 percent of fathers had an episode of depression by the time their child was 12 years old.
Where can I find help after giving birth to a baby?
Talk to your doctor about your physical symptoms. If you want, your doctor can refer you to a therapist or other resources in your area. A local hospital is also a good place to get referrals.
You might feel more comfortable talking to others who have gone through the same thing. They understand what you're feeling and can offer support without judgment. Consider joining a group for new mothers. Some of them may also be living with depression, anxiety, or postpartum depression.
There are organizations that can help you locate the resources you need.
There are support groups for postpartum depression in the United States and Canada. This is a comprehensive list of them.
After giving birth, parents can call 805-564-3888 for postpartum education. Trained volunteers will answer the phone 24/7 to provide support.
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: This organization provides information and support for pregnant women and new moms who are experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.
Postpartum Support International offers online support and information about local resources. You can find this resource at 800-944-4PPD (800-944-4773).
It is okay to try different support systems until you find one that works for you. Keep trying until you find the help you need.
There are a few other things you can do to deal with depression after consulting with your doctor.
1. Communicate
It might be tempting to keep your feelings to yourself, but it's helpful to talk them over with someone you trust. You may find out that you're not the only one who feels this way and that others are willing to listen.
2. Fight isolation
It is not necessary to have a hectic social life, but it is helpful to maintain your closest relationships. This can help you feel connected.
If you're comfortable in a group setting, you can join a depression support group or one specifically for new mothers. If you've stopped participating in activities that were fun before, try joining them again to see if it helps. Participating in a group can help you focus on other things. The passage suggests that relieving stress can be helpful.
3. Cut back on chores
If you cannot do chores or errands, let them go. Use your energy to take care of basic needs like eating and drinking, and changing a baby’s diaper. If possible, ask for help from family and friends.
4. Rest and relax
If your baby doesn't get enough sleep, it's important to get someone to take a shift so you can sleep. If you have trouble drifting off, try taking a hot bath, reading a good book, or doing some meditation or massage to help ease tension. This is a sleep aid.
There are some things you can do to deal with postpartum depression.
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Medications used to treat depression after giving birth
SSRIs are drugs that interfere with the removal of serotonin from the brain. They're the most commonly used antidepressants. These medications affect serotonin, a chemical that regulates mood. SSRIs generally have fewer side effects than other antidepressant medications. Antidepressants are medications that help to improve the moods of people who are feeling down.
Atypical antidepressants
These newer antidepressants affect several neurotransmitters in the brain. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are examples of atypical antidepressant medications.
Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are
These older antidepressants affect neurotransmitters in the brain. This can lead to side effects and they are usually not prescribed unless other treatments haven't worked.
Some antidepressant side effects and considerations may occur
All antidepressants can cause side effects, such as:
dry mouth
nausea
dizziness
headaches
insomnia
restlessness
fatigue
weight gain
perspiration
diarrhea
constipation
decreased sex drive
anxiety
tremors
It can take several weeks for antidepressants to start working, so be patient. The medication must be taken exactly as prescribed, without skipping doses. Your doctor may gradually increase the dosage if it is not effective at first. It is important to find the right antidepressant for you. You will need to see your doctor regularly while taking antidepressants.
If you are taking a high dose or have been taking antidepressants for a long time, it may be necessary to taper off gradually when you are ready to stop. Stopping abruptly can increase side effects.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy may be an option if your estrogen levels are low.Hormone therapy can cause some side effects, including: -Changes in mood, energy, and weight -Menstrual irregularities (such as missed periods, heavier periods, or no periods at all) -Breast growth in women -Acne
weight changes
breast pain or tenderness
nausea and vomiting
Hormone therapy can increase your risk of developing certain cancers.
Before taking any medication or hormone therapy, be sure to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Some of these medications can be passed to your baby through breast milk.
What is severe postpartum depression?
If you experience postpartum depression, it can get worse without treatment. It's most dangerous when thoughts of harming yourself or others begin to occur. Once these thoughts occur, professional help is necessary.
Some signs that you may be experiencing postpartum depression include:
Hallucinations are seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling things that aren't really there.
People with delusions may have strong beliefs that are not based on reality, or they may be feeling persecuted.
When someone is disoriented, confused, and speaking nonsense, it is called a "snowstorm."
strange or erratic behavior
rage or violent actions
suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide
thoughts of harming your baby
If you experience any of these signs, you may need to go to the hospital. Pregnant women who suffer from severe postpartum depression may be in danger but treatment can be successful.
What are the risk factors for developing postpartum depression?
Moms of any age, race, or number of children can develop postpartum depression.
These things might increase your risk:
A previous depression or other mood disorder may be contributing to this problem.
family history of depression
serious health problems
Stress, such as a divorce, the death of a loved one, or a recent event that has caused stress, can make you feel bad.
unwanted or difficult pregnancy
Having twins, triplets, or other multiples is very rare.
Pregnancy can be risky for a baby if he or she is born prematurely or if there are health problems.
being in an abusive relationship
isolation or lack of emotional support
poor diet
drug or alcohol misuse
sleep deprivation and exhaustion
If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. Postpartum depression can increase your risk of addiction or harming yourself or your baby.
Postpartum depression prevention
Although it is not possible to completely prevent postpartum depression, there are some things that may help reduce your risk.
Being proactive during pregnancy is important. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any health concerns before you get pregnant, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
You have had a previous episode of postpartum depression.
Depression is a condition that affects moods.
You have symptoms that may be caused by depression.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe the most appropriate therapy and make recommendations in advance.
By following these tips, you may be less likely to develop postpartum depression:
Make sure you have someone you can rely on before your baby is born.
Take some time to think about what you might need and make a plan. Include your doctor's contact information, local support services, and a friend you can talk to.
Plan to have somebody watch your children while you take a break. If symptoms appear, you'll know what to do.
Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Do not stop enjoying activities you enjoy and try to get enough sleep.
Make sure you are in touch with your loved ones so that communication is open and smooth.
A new baby in the house changes family dynamics and affects how people sleep. You're not expected to do everything perfectly so don't beat yourself up. If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Early treatment can help you recover more quickly.
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What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum depression is a severe form of mental illness that can occur after childbirth. It's most likely to happen within the first few weeks after giving birth. If you have a history of mood disorders, psychosis is more likely.
Psychosis means you are no longer grounded in reality. Postpartum psychosis is a rare event. It usually occurs within the first few weeks after you give birth, and it is often associated with bipolar disorder.
The earliest symptoms of ADHD are restlessness, irritability, and insomnia. These could easily be mistaken for baby blues or even sleep deprivation.
Hallucinations and delusions can be common symptoms, including seeing, hearing, smelling, and feeling things that seem real but aren't. For example, you might hear a voice telling you to harm your baby or feel that your skin is crawling with bugs.
Delusions are irrational thoughts or feelings that are out of line with reality. For example, you might believe people are out to get you or that your baby is doing something wrong.
Other symptoms include:
This passage describes how people can feel when they are confused and disoriented.
feelings of rage for no apparent reason
People who have erratic or violent behavior act violently and randomly around others.
Rapid mood changes.
A person who is preoccupied with death might have thoughts of suicide or an actual suicide attempt.
intrusive thoughts about your baby, such as thinking negative things or wishing they would disappear.
If you or someone close to you experiences postpartum psychosis, it is a very serious emergency. The risk of harming yourself or your baby is real. If you or someone close to you experiences these symptoms after giving birth, please seek immediate medical attention. Postpartum psychosis can be treated in a hospital setting. Antipsychotic medication is used to treat psychosis.
There is more information about postpartum psychosis on this page.
How is postpartum psychosis treated?
Several medications are used to treat mental illness. They may be used either alone or in combination and include:
mood stabilizers
antidepressants
antipsychotics
These medications can help you control your symptoms and keep you stable. If they don’t work, another option is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT uses electrical currents to trigger chemical changes in the brain. It is usually well-tolerated and can be effective in treating postpartum depression. Psychosis is a mental disorder in which a person's thoughts and feelings are not normal.
If you are stable and your doctors are happy with your progress, they may recommend that you see a therapist to help you deal with your feelings.
Even after you've been discharged from the hospital, your treatment should continue. Your medications may need to be adjusted as you recover.
If you also have bipolar or another mental health disorder, you'll need to continue to follow your treatment plan for that condition as well.
Postpartum anxiety
Postpartum depression is getting more attention, but postpartum anxiety is more common. It affects more than one in six women after childbirth.
When you bring a new baby home, it's natural to feel a little stressed or worried. Sometimes those feelings cause anxiety that gets in the way of your everyday life.
Hyperventilation is a common symptom. It occurs when you breathe in quickly and deeply, depriving yourself of oxygen. This can make you feel like you can't breathe and can lead to panic attacks.
Panic attacks may look like symptoms of a heart attack. These symptoms include:
pounding heartbeat
chest pain
sweating
shortness of breath
Some other symptoms of postpartum anxiety may include:
Excessive worrying about minor matters is a sign of anxiety.
being unable to sleep because of anxiety or stress
thinking about the same things over and over again even though they have been solved or are not important.
poor concentration due to worry
Worrying too much about your baby is going to cause you to overprotect them.
Having anxiety or worrying about illnesses is normal.
Having anxiety and depression together can make it difficult to figure out what's going on without the help of a doctor.
Some women find that their postpartum anxiety lessens on its own, but for others it may get worse. Talking to your doctor is a good idea if anxiety persists. Anti Anxiety medications and therapy can be used to treat anxiety.
There are things you can do to help lessen your anxiety after giving birth. Learn more about it here.
Postpartum OCD
You might want to raise your baby in a healthy environment, but sometimes you might feel pressure to have everything perfect. That isn’t unusual. But the pressure can sometimes turn into obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Postpartum OCD is not very common. About 1 to 3 percent of childbearing women develop OCD, which usually starts within a week of delivery.
Obsessions can be about anything, but they're likely to focus on the baby's safety. For example, you might worry about your baby dying during the night or that you'll drop them.
If you have postpartum OCD, you might engage in ritualistic behaviors in response to thoughts about the baby. These behaviors might include:
You will need to clean and organize your baby's room many times in order to prevent germs from coming in contact with them.
Make sure to check on your baby every night even though you did so recently.
People may have mental compulsions, such as constantly praying for the safety of their baby.
Some people perform rituals (such as counting or touching something in a certain way) in order to prevent bad things from happening.
It is important to spend time researching your or your baby’s health in order to make sure they are getting the best care possible.
Some behaviors that occur after childbirth may not go away. If you have symptoms of postpartum OCD and they don't go away within a few weeks, see your doctor.
Postpartum OCD can be treated with therapy or antidepressant medication alone.
Depression that can occur after a man has a baby.
Fathers sometimes experience the blues, which are normal feelings in men. These feelings will eventually go away as everyone adjusts.
Paternal postnatal depression can affect men too.
Symptoms Postpartum Depression
Depression symptoms are similar in men and women, but they may come on more slowly in fathers. That can make them harder to identify. New fathers don't have regular doctor visits like new mothers do, so depression can go unchecked. There's also less information about depression and fewer resources available for fathers. There are systems in place to help new fathers cope with their feelings.
Depression is less likely to be reported by men, but estimates suggest that up to 25% of fathers experience symptoms in the first year postpartum. First-time fathers tend to have a higher level of anxiety in the weeks following childbirth.
Causes Postpartum Depression
There is not a lot of research into the causes of postpartum depression in men. It may be due to changes in testosterone and other hormone levels, as well as lack of sleep and stress from the changing family dynamics.
Risk factors Postpartum Depression
If a father has postpartum depression, he is at a higher risk for developing the condition.
Pregnant women who have had depression in the past are at an increased risk of having a baby with depression. If that's the case, you should discuss your situation with your doctor before the baby is born. Include any small signs of depression.
How to recognize postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) refers to a phenomenon that occurs in women after childbirth and is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety and loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed. It is less frequently discussed than depression during pregnancy but may affect more than one out of five new mothers.
How to treat postpartum depression?
Experts recommend getting support from a qualified healthcare provider such as a doctor or counselor You can also seek support from friends and family members who have experienced postpartum depression; this typically includes mothers sisters and close female relatives Though it may be helpful to discuss your feelings with your spouse experts say you should only do so if the two of you can maintain privacy and avoid distraction.
How long is postpartum?
Postpartum refers to the period of time after birth when mothers and babies are adjusting to new roles and life changes Most people use this term interchangeably with the terms "afterbirth," "perinatal" and/or "lactation." The postpartum time period is often characterized by major hormonal and physical changes in addition to having a new baby at home.
What are the types of postpartum?
There are several types of postpartum in the days, weeks , months and years after a woman gives birth. Understanding these and how to help with them can help both mother and child cope with this major life event.
Why wait 40 days after giving birth?
Why wait 40 days after giving birth? There is no medical reason to delay exercise In the early days of breastfeeding it's a good idea to avoid any exercises that might cause pain or trauma to your breasts and nipples But most women can return to all forms of exercise by day 6 or 7 postpartum It's best not to wait too long before resuming an active lifestyle A woman who breastfeeds exclusively needs extra calories (about 500 more per day than she would need if she wasn't breastfeeding) and plenty of liquids (about 2 liters per day) She also needs vitamin D and calcium for bone health both.
What are the elements of postpartum surveillance?
Postpartum surveillance is a process that ensures that a woman has no bleeding problems after giving birth It consists of healthcare providers such as midwives and nurses keeping an eye on any changes in the woman’s reproductive physiology for about six weeks after she delivers her baby The goal of postpartum surveillance is to identify serious complications (such as uterine atony hemorrhage infections etc.) which may develop in the mother during this time frame and to intervene early if needed Postpartum surveillance is done by making sure that: The woman’s vital signs are monitored continuously for first 24 hours.
What is the Postnatal visit?
After you have your baby it is very important that you keep up with your appointments The first few weeks after the baby arrives are a critical time for continuing to bond with your new little one as well as focusing on the health of both of you The postnatal visit in week 5 (or 6) is an opportunity to check how things are going and get some answers about what's normal at this stage Ask questions like "How do I know if my baby is feeding enough?" or "What can I do about abdominal cramps?" You will leave this appointment feeling more confident and prepared for motherhood.
What are the postpartum complications?
First and foremost postpartum complications are a risk to both mother and baby The bleeding can be so severe especially in the case of an emergency C-section that the mother does not have enough blood to circulate around her body which can result in a heart attack In fact about one out of every 1,000 women experience this type of hemorrhage after giving birth or during childbirth Any woman who is planning on getting pregnant should find out if she has antithrombin III deficiency because it can cause even more serious problems if she experiences bleeding issues when she gets pregnant again and will require treatment before having another child.
Diagnosis Postpartum Depression
Your health care provider will normally talk with you about your feelings, mind and mental fitness to help decide when you have a brief-term case of postpartum toddler blues or a greater extreme shape of depression. Don't be embarrassed — postpartum despair is commonplace. Share your signs together with your issuer so that you and your issuer can create a beneficial treatment plan.
As a part of your assessment, your fitness care issuer might also do a despair screening, together with having you fill out a questionnaire. Your company may additionally order different assessments, if wanted, to rule out different causes to your signs.
Treatment Postpartum Depression
Fathers should try to get a support system in place. This could involve finding someone to watch the child while they are away, joining a depression support group, or spending time with friends.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, you should maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. If your symptoms do not improve or are severe, you should see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
If you are depressed, you can receive antidepressant medications or therapy alone, or in combination with your parents.If both parents are depressed, couples counseling or family counseling may be a good option.
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General summary
- How are women affected? After delivering a baby a new mother may experience emotional difficulties These problems range from mild to severe and can last for several months This emotional condition is known as postpartum depression (PPD) At the same time that some women develop PPD other mothers have no problems at all with their emotional health after having a baby.
- : How to prevent it Women who have had postpartum depression (PPD) are three times more likely to have another episode of PPD than those who haven't suffered from this condition Because of the risk associated with PPD it's important for mothers and their health care providers to work together to help treat the symptoms of PPD before they become severe.
- Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that affects new mothers. It can cause major changes in mood, energy and behavior, as well as contributing to physical symptoms such as exhaustion. PPD can go on for weeks or months, and if left untreated, can even become a long-term condition. Women are at greatest risk of experiencing PPD in the first few months after giving birth, but it can also occur during pregnancy or up to a year after delivery.
