Depression occurs more frequently during and after pregnancy than most people believe. Antepartum, also known as prenatal depression, refers to the term used in medicine used for depression that is experienced before or during pregnancy. Likewise, postpartum depression is a result of childbirth.
After delivery, up to 15% of these women will experience a more severe and long-lasting depression known as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is characterized by emotional highs and lows, frequent sobbing, tiredness, guilt, worry, and difficulty caring for the newborn infant.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression is a complicated combination of physical, mental, and behavioral changes that some women experience after having a baby. The biological, social, and psychological changes after having a baby are associated with postpartum depression. Many new mothers go through various physical and emotional changes as a result of their pregnancy.
The biochemical changes that occur after delivery include a fast decrease in hormones. It’s unclear how this drop relates to depression in terms of the exact correlation. Other social and psychological factors enhance the risk of depression when a woman has a kid.
Types of Postpartum Depression
- Postpartum blues: This syndrome, also known as the “baby blues,” affects 50 to 75 percent of women after giving birth. You will have frequent, extended bouts of sobbing for no apparent reason, unhappiness, or anxiety if you suffer from the baby blues. Most of the time, this problem arises within the first week following the birth (one to four days).
- Postpartum depression: One out of every ten new mums will experience this more severe form of postpartum depression. It is common for new mothers to feel guilty, nervous, and exhausted, as well as irritated and exhausted.
- Postpartum psychosis: Postpartum depression is a serious condition that requires rapid medical attention. Only one in a thousand new mothers is affected by this rare condition. In most cases, the symptoms begin to develop within a few weeks of birth and linger for a few months. Symptoms include severe agitation, perplexity, feelings of despair and humiliation, insomnia, and paranoia.
Symptoms
You may experience the following symptoms as a result of postpartum depression:
- Feeling sad
- Frequent crying
- Feeling restless
- Loss of interest
- Loss of appetite
- Less energy
- Feeling hopeless
- Unexplained weight loss
Although many women become sad shortly after giving birth, some do not become depressed for several weeks or months. Postpartum depression is defined as depression that begins within six months of childbirth. A woman may suffer postpartum psychosis in rare cases. This is a life-threatening illness. You can see the signs that you have postpartum depression. You may also have thoughts about hurting yourself or your child.
Causes
The specific cause has yet to be determined. Hormone levels fluctuate during pregnancy and after delivery. Hormonal changes may cause chemical changes in the brain chemistry. This contributes to the development of depression. If you’ve had any of the following, you’re more likely to develop postpartum depression:
- Physical changes: A significant drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in the body after childbirth may lead to postpartum depression. Other hormones generated by the thyroid gland may also decline dramatically, leaving you tired, sluggish, and sad.
- Emotional issues: Taking care of even the most basic problems might be difficult when you’re exhausted and sleep-deprived. Is your self-esteem in jeopardy? Has your sense of self-worth been damaged? Any of these diseases can lead to postpartum depression. Ashwagandha root extract is a natural compound that can help people fall asleep. Ashwagandha benefits for womens at a dose of 300 mg extract twice daily.
Complications
Not treating postpartum depression can damage the mother-child bond and make families fight. This is why it’s essential to get help.
- Mothers: After a few months or even years, postpartum depression can turn into a persistent depressive disorder. Even if postpartum depression is successfully treated, it increases a woman’s chance of getting a severe form of depression.
- Father: He more likely will get postpartum depression if his wife is depressed after giving birth to their child. When their partner is depressed, new dads are more likely to get depressed.
- Children’s: Pregnant women who aren’t treated for postpartum depression are more likely to give birth to children with emotional and behavioral issues. These include problems with sleep, feeding, and language development for the child. If you wish to sleep better, turn to melatonin for sleep, which has lately gained in popularity.
Prevention
If you have a history of depression, particularly postpartum depression, consult your doctor before getting pregnant or as soon as you learn you’re expecting.
- During pregnancy: Your doctor will be able to keep an eye on you for signs and symptoms of depression. During and after your pregnancy, you may be asked to complete out a depression screening assessment. Mild depression can sometimes be treated with the help of support groups, counseling, or other therapies. It is possible to prescribe antidepressants in a variety of circumstances, including pregnancy.
- After giving birth: You may be advised by your doctor to have an early postpartum visit to screen for postpartum depression symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or psychotherapy as soon as the baby is born if you suffer from postpartum depression.
Diagnosis
You and your doctor will usually talk about how you feel, what you think, and how your mental health is so that you can tell the difference between postpartum baby blues and a more serious case of depression. Postpartum depression is widespread, so don’t be embarrassed. Share your symptoms with your doctor so that a treatment plan tailored to your needs can be devised.
Treatment
If you’re having depression symptoms after giving birth, it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as you can to get help. Medication and therapy are the two essential therapies for postpartum depression. Both can be used independently, but they may be more effective when combined. It’s also crucial to incorporate some healthy habits into your everyday routine.
Medication
Antidepressants work by affecting the brain directly. They change the molecules in the brain that control mood. But they won’t work straight away. It may take several weeks before you notice a shift in your mood after taking medicine.
Therapy
Counseling can be provided by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or another mental health practitioner. Therapy can assist you in making sense of your damaging thoughts and provide skills for dealing with them.
