Postpartum depression occurs after giving birth, within a few weeks of delivery or any time in the first year of a baby’s life. This is a medical condition characterized by strong feelings of sadness, anxiety or worry and fatigue that last for more than two weeks. It is far more common than most people realize, affecting one and seven women. Half of these women have no history of depression.
PPD and baby blues are often conflated. Baby blues are feelings of sadness, moodiness and tearfulness that can happen in the first few days or weeks after delivery. These feelings occur as hormones regulate but should not last longer than two weeks. Depression is more serious and lasts longer.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PPD INCLUDE:
- Feeling depressed, guilty, overwhelmed or panicked
- Severe mood swings
- Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy
- Extreme fatigue, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating
SEVERAL FACTORS CAN INCREASE A WOMAN’S RISK OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION. THESE INCLUDE:
- Previous depression or family history of depression or mental health conditions
- Pregnancy complications like diabetes, preterm, birth, multiple births or pregnancy loss
- Other life stressors like lack of support, a death in the family or worries about work and income
It is incredibly important to treat postpartum depression because being depressed can affect how a mother bonds with her baby. This may affect the infant’s ability to grow and thrive, and it even can impact the child’s learning, development and mental health later in life.
Depression also makes it significantly more difficult to breastfeed and care for your baby and yourself. Moms with postpartum depression may not have the energy or motivation to eat well, sleep adequately, exercise or comply with their doctor’s postpartum heath recommendations.
Women often hesitate to seek treatment, partly because the depression itself causes feeling of shame and failure, in addition to the fatigue and loss of motivation. Every OB-GYN who cares for pregnant women is familiar with this condition, along with medical treatment options and referrals for therapy.
The most important step is for a patient to mention signs and symptoms to a provider. Not everyone presents at the same time, so the onset of symptoms may not coincide with a regular postpartum visit. However, extra visits always are welcomed and encouraged.
