What's postpartum depression?

Being a parent is an amazing experience. Parenthood is an exciting experience, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. You may feel anxious or doubtful, especially if this is your first time parent. Postpartum depression is when you feel depressed, lonely, have severe mood swings, or are constantly crying, this could be a sign of postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression (PPD), is a form of depression that occurs after a woman gives birth. Postpartum depression does not affect only the mother. It can also affect surrogates, adoptive parents, and other family members. After having a baby, people experience hormonal, social, financial, and emotional changes. These changes can lead to postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is something you can overcome. Your healthcare provider can help you manage your symptoms and make you feel better.

What types of postpartum depression are there?

There are three types of postpartum mood disorders.

Baby blues

Between 50% and 75% people who have had baby blues after birth experience them. The baby blues is characterized by prolonged, unrelated crying, sadness, and anxiety. The baby blues usually starts within the first week of birth (one to four weeks). The experience can be very unpleasant but usually resolves in two weeks. It is best to seek support from family, friends and your partner.

Postpartum depression

About 1 in 7 parents will experience postpartum depression. Your risk of developing postpartum depression is 30% if you have had it before. There may be alternating highs or lows, crying frequently, irritability, fatigue, and feelings of guilt, anxiety, and inability to take care of your baby. The symptoms can appear as soon as one week after birth or gradually over time, sometimes even up to one year later. Even though symptoms may last for several months, antidepressants and psychotherapy can be very effective in treating them.

Postpartum psychosis

Postpartum psychosis, a severe form of postpartum depression, is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is extremely rare and affects only one in 1,000 women after giving birth. The symptoms usually appear within a few days of delivery and can last for several months. The symptoms include extreme agitation, confusion and feelings of shame, paranoia or delusions, hyperactivity, rapid speaking or mania, severe agitation and paranoia. Because of the increased risk of suicide and harm to the baby, postpartum psychosis should be treated immediately. The usual treatment will include medication, psychotherapy, and hospitalization.

Postpartum depression: Who are the victims?

Depression after giving birth is quite common. Baby blues can affect as many as 75%. These people can develop postpartum depression up to 15%. One in 1,000 people develop postpartum psychosis.

What are the signs of postpartum depression or baby blues?

Many people experience the baby blues after giving their children. Postpartum depression and baby blues have many similarities. Baby blues symptoms last for about 10 days, and they are more intense. Postpartum depression symptoms can last for weeks or even months and are more severe.

If you have the baby blues, it is possible to:

Crying spells.

Feel overwhelmed.

Lose your appetite.

Trouble sleeping?

Have sudden mood changes.

It's a good idea to tell your provider about your symptoms. They will be able to determine if you require treatment.

How long does postpartum Depression last?

You can experience postpartum depression for up to one year after the birth of your child. This doesn't mean that you will be "cured" within a year. Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. Tell your healthcare provider how you feel. Consider if you feel different now than when you were diagnosed. They can then recommend continuing treatment for your symptoms.

What factors increase my chance of becoming depressed after having a child?

Some factors increase your chances of developing postpartum depression

A family or personal history of depression, postpartum depression, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Limited social support

Conflicts in the marital or romantic relationship

Ambivalence regarding the pregnancy

Pregnancy complications include health issues, difficulty delivering or premature birth.

You are younger than 20 years old or have a single parent.

A baby who is a bit fussy or has special needs.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

What symptoms are there for postpartum depression?

People may feel embarrassed about their symptoms, or they feel bad for being parents. It is very common to experience postpartum depression. This is not a common feeling, but it does not mean that you are a bad person.

If you have any of these symptoms, then you may be suffering from postpartum depression

Feeling guilty, sad, worthless, or hopeless.

Feeling anxious or worried excessively

You lose interest in hobbies and other things that you used to enjoy.

Changes in appetite, or not eating.

Motivation and energy loss

Trouble sleeping, or a desire to sleep constantly.

Do not cry for no reason, or too often.

Difficulty focusing or thinking.

Suicide thoughts or the wish that you were dead.

You may feel anxious or lack of interest in your baby.

You may think about hurting your baby, or feel like you don’t want your baby.

If you believe you may have postpartum depression, you should consult your healthcare provider. You can contact your obstetrician or primary care provider, as well as your mental health provider. You can also get help from your baby's pediatrician.

What causes postpartum Depression?

Further research is required to establish the connection between depression and the rapid decline in hormones following delivery. While estrogen and progesterone levels increase tenfold in pregnancy, they drop sharply after delivery. Three days after delivery, hormone levels drop to their pre-pregnancy levels.

Postpartum depression is not only a result of these chemical changes but also because of the psychological and social changes that come with having a child. These changes can include changes in your body, sleep problems, concerns about parenting, and changes in your relationships.

Please notify your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of these symptoms.

  • You may think about harming your baby or yourself.
  • Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death.
  • A depressed mood throughout the day and almost every day in the past two weeks.
  • Anxiety, guilt, shame, helplessness, fear, panic, or worthlessness.
  • Difficulty in thinking, concentrating, making choices, or managing everyday situations.
  • For the past two weeks, there has been a loss of interest in or enjoyment in many activities.

Can postpartum depression affect my baby?

Yes, your baby can be affected by postpartum depression. Both you and your baby should seek treatment.

Research shows that postpartum depression may affect your baby in these ways:

  • If you have difficulty bonding with your baby, and are unable to establish a relationship with them,
  • You may notice behavior problems or learning difficulties in your child.
  • It is possible to skip your appointment with the pediatrician for your child.
  • You may notice sleeping and feeding problems in your child.
  • Your child could be at greater risk of developing obesity or other developmental disorders.
  • You might neglect to take care of your child or fail to recognize when they are sick.
  • Your baby might have poor social skills.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

What is the diagnosis of postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is not diagnosed by a specific test. At your postpartum appointment, your healthcare provider will assess you. The visit might include a discussion about your health history and how you feel since delivery. It may also include a physical exam, pelvic exam, and laboratory tests. To screen for depression, many providers schedule visits two to three weeks after delivery. This will ensure that you receive the support you need as quickly as possible.

They might do a screening for depression or ask your questions to determine if you have postpartum anxiety. They will ask you how your baby is doing and what your feelings are. To ensure that your provider has a complete picture of your feelings and thoughts, be honest and open with them. They will be able to tell you if your feelings are normal or if they are symptoms of postpartum Depression.

A blood test may be ordered by your healthcare provider to rule out postpartum depression, which can mimic many thyroid conditions.

Your healthcare provider is there for you to help you stay healthy. So be open with them. You are not alone and there is no judgement.

How do doctors screen for postpartum depression?

Mild cases of postpartum depressive disorder can be difficult to identify. Your answers to questions are crucial for healthcare providers.

To screen for postpartum depression, many healthcare professionals use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The questionnaire asks you 10 questions about depression symptoms such as feeling sad, anxious, or guilty. Then, you are asked to choose the answer that best describes how you feel in the past seven days. Higher scores indicate possible postpartum depression.

Your provider will recommend the appropriate treatment if you are diagnosed with postpartum depression.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

What is the treatment for postpartum depression?

There are different ways to treat postpartum depression depending on how severe and persistent your symptoms are. There are many treatment options available, including anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications, psychotherapy (talk therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy and participation in support groups.

Postpartum psychosis treatment may include medication to manage depression, anxiety, and psychosis. You might also be admitted for several days to a treatment facility until you feel stable. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is a form of electroconvulsive therapy, can be used if you are unable to respond to the above treatment.

Breastfeeding (or breast-feeding) does not mean you cannot take medication for depression, anxiety, or psychosis. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

What are the best medications for postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression symptoms may be managed by your healthcare provider. Antidepressants balance chemicals in your brain that can affect your mood.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding about the benefits and risks of antidepressants. Your baby can get medications through your breast milk. The risk of a baby receiving antidepressant medication through breast milk is low. Based on your symptoms and nursing status, your provider will help you choose the right medicine for you.

Antidepressants take at least three to four weeks to kick in. Before you stop taking antidepressants, talk to your healthcare provider. It is possible for symptoms to return if you stop taking your medication too soon. Most doctors will suggest reducing the dose of your medication before you stop completely.

If you are still hospitalized after giving birth, your provider may suggest IV medication that contains brexanolone.

How can you cope with postpartum depression?

It is okay to feel overwhelmed. It's not easy to parent a baby. Depression is not something you should be dealing with alone. You can talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment for you.

These are some ways to cope with postpartum Depression

  • Talk to someone -- a friend, therapist, or family member who can listen and offer support.
  • Get support from other parents.
  • Eat well and exercise regularly.
  • Give yourself rest.
  • Talk to friends, or go out with them.
  • Make time to take care of yourself and do things that you love, such as reading or other hobbies.
  • Help with chores and errands in the home.

What happens to postpartum depression if it isn't treated properly?

Postpartum depression can be dangerous and cause serious health problems for you, your baby, and the people you love. It can lead to:

  • You feel like you are starving.
  • Moody.
  • Don't think you can take care of your baby.
  • Incapable of focusing or making decisions.
  • You may think about hurting yourself.

PREVENTION

Is it possible to prevent postpartum depression?

It is possible to prevent postpartum depression. It is important to recognize warning signs and factors that increase your chances of developing the condition. These are some ways to prevent depression after delivery.

  • Be realistic in your expectations of your baby and yourself.
  • When you return home, limit visitors.
  • Ask for help; let others know what they can do to help.
  • When your baby is asleep, you can either sleep or rest.
  • Get out and exercise -- go for a walk or take a break from the house.
  • Keep in touch and stay connected with family and friends.
  • Encourage your partner to be a part of your life.
  • You can expect some good days as well as some bad.

 Postpartum depression is a condition that involves physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur in some women after giving birth.

Most new mothers experience “baby blues” after giving birth, especially when they already have depression symptoms. About 1 in 10 of these women develop more severe and long-lasting depression.

Our UrgentWay healthcare providers are here to provide postpartum depression prognosis and postpartum depression treatment.

 


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