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.
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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