What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral
changes that occur after giving birth that are attributed to the chemical,
social, and psychological changes associated with having a baby.
Who is affected by postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is common. As many as 50 to 75 percent of new mothers experience the "baby blues" after delivery. About 0
to 15 percent of these women will develop a more severe and longer-lasting depression, called postpartum depression, after delivery. One in 1,000 women develop the more serious condition called postpartum psychosis.
What factors increase my risk of being depressed after the birth of my child?
- Having a personal or family history of depression or premenstrual
dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Age at time of pregnancy -- the younger you are, the higher the risk
- Living alone
- Limited social support
- Marital conflict
- Ambivalence about the pregnancy
- A history of depression during pregnancy -- 50% of depressed
pregnant women will have postpartum depression
Types of postpartum depression
Postpartum blues -- Better known as the "baby blues," this
condition affects between 50 and 75 percent of women after delivery. If you are
experiencing the baby blues, you will have frequent, prolonged bouts of crying
for no apparent reason, sadness, and anxiety. The condition usually begins in
the first week (one to four days) after delivery. Although the experience is
unpleasant, the condition usually subsides within two weeks without treatment.
All you'll need is reassurance and help with the baby and household chores.
Postpartum depression -- This is a far more serious condition than
postpartum blues, affecting about 1 in 10 new mothers. If you've had
postpartum depression before, your risk increases to 30 percent. You may experience
alternating "highs" and "lows," frequent crying,
irritability, and fatigue, as well as feelings of guilt, anxiety, and inability
to care for your baby or yourself. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may
appear within days of the delivery or gradually, even up to a year later.
Although symptoms can last from several weeks up to a year, treatment with
psychotherapy or antidepressants is very effective.
Postpartum psychosis -- This is an extremely severe form of
postpartum depression and requires emergency medical attention. This condition
is relatively rare, affecting only 1 in 1,000 women after delivery. The
symptoms generally occur quickly after delivery and are severe, lasting for a
few weeks to several months. Symptoms include severe agitation, confusion,
feelings of hopelessness and shame, insomnia, paranoia, delusions or
hallucinations, hyperactivity, rapid speech, or mania. Postpartum psychosis
requires immediate medical attention since there is an increased risk of suicide
and risk of harm to the baby. Treatment will usually include admission to
hospital for the mother and medicine.
What causes postpartum depression?
More research is needed to determine the link between the rapid drop in
hormones after delivery and depression. The levels of estrogen and progesterone,
the female reproductive hormones, increase tenfold during pregnancy but drop
sharply after delivery. By three days postpartum, levels of these hormones drop
back to pre-pregnant levels. In addition to these chemical changes, the social
and psychological changes associated with having a baby create an increased risk
of postpartum depression.
Can postpartum depression be prevented?
Here are some tips that can help prevent, or help you cope with postpartum depression:
- Be realistic about your expectations for yourself and your baby
- Limit visitors when you first go home
- Ask for help -- let others know how they can help you
- Sleep or rest when your baby sleeps!
- Exercise; take a walk and get out of the house for a break
- Screen your phone calls
- Follow a sensible diet; avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Keep in touch with your family and friends -- do not isolate yourself
- Foster your relationship with your partner -- make time for each other
- Expect some good days and some bad days
Treating postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is treated differently depending on the type and
severity of the woman’s symptoms. Treatment options include anti-anxiety or
antidepressant medicines, psychotherapy, and support group
participation.
In the case of postpartum psychosis, medicines used to treat psychosis are
usually added. Hospital admission is also usually necessary.
If you are breastfeeding, don’t assume that you can't take medicines for
depression, anxiety, or even psychosis. There have been no reports of breastfed
babies whose mothers are taking antidepressants suffering any ill effects, but
as yet no long-term follow-up data is available.
What is the outlook?
With professional help, almost all women who experience postpartum depression
are able to overcome their symptoms.
When should a new mom should seek professional medical treatment?
A new mom should seek professional help when:
- Symptoms persist beyond two weeks
- She is unable to function normally; she can’t cope with everyday situations
- She has thoughts of harming herself or her baby
- She is feeling extremely anxious, scared, and panicked most of the day
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 9/28/2009…#9312