postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs in some women within the first 6 weeks after childbirth. Depression is a medical condition that leads to intense feelings of sadness or despair. These feelings don't go away on their own. Depression in the post-partum period can be life-threatening to both mother and baby.

 

Depression is a disorder of the brain. Researchers believe that chemicals called neurotransmitters are involved in depression. Nerve impulses cause the release of neurotransmitters from one nerve cell, or neuron, to the next. This release allows cells to communicate with one another. Too little or too much of these important neurotransmitters may be released and cause or contribute to depression. Some of the neurotransmitters believed to be linked to depression are serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

 

Pregnancy and childbirth are accompanied by hormonal changes that can affect emotions. The round-the-clock job of caring for a new baby can seem overwhelming at times. Too little rest usually accompanies these physical and emotional stresses.

 

In general, symptoms of depression include:

 

A woman with postpartum depression may also experience the following symptoms:

 

The hormonal changes of pregnancy and childbirth contribute to a woman's risk for postpartum depression. Caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Physical exhaustion, lack of sleep, unrealistic role expectations, and social isolation can all play a role in postpartum depression.

There is no prevention for postpartum depression. However, there are things a woman can do to minimize the problem. These include the following steps. Ask family and friends to help with cooking or housework. Get adequate rest, nutrition, and emotional support. Get regular exercise. Set aside some personal time. Sleep when the baby sleeps.

There are several tools a woman can use to screen for postpartum depression. These are designed to help her recognize the signs and symptoms of the problem so she can seek help. This may include a list of questions such as: Are you experiencing difficulty sleeping? Do you feel anxious, tense, or panicked much of the day? Do you find yourself crying uncontrollably for unexplained reasons? Is it difficult for you to concentrate? Are you filled with self-doubt and lacking in self-esteem? Have you experienced sudden changes in appetite? Are you feeling totally exhausted and lacking in enthusiasm for things that once seemed pleasurable? Do you feel more distant from your spouse or partner? Do you often feel helpless, hopeless, and unable to cope? Are you overly concerned about the health of your baby, constantly worrying about what could go wrong? Do you feel like most days you are out of control or going crazy? Do you ever think of hurting yourself or your baby?