overview
The birth of a baby can cause a clutter of strong emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and restlessness. But it can also lead to something you might not expect: depression.
Most new mothers experience postpartum baby blues, which usually include mood swings, crying, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. The baby blues usually start within the first two to three days after giving birth and can last up to two weeks.
However, some new mothers suffer from a more severe and persistent form of depression known as postpartum depression. In rare cases, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis can also develop after childbirth.
Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it’s just a complication of childbirth. If you have postpartum depression, early treatment can help you relieve your symptoms and bond with your baby.Postpartum depression treatment Khammam
symptom
The signs and symptoms of postpartum depression vary and can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms of the baby blues
The signs and symptoms of baby blues that last a few days to a week or two after your baby is born could include:Postpartum depression treatment Khammam
- Mood swings
- fear
- sadness
- irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed
- tears
The reasons
There isn’t a single cause of postpartum depression, but physical and emotional issues can play a role.Postpartum depression treatment Khammam
- Physical changes. After giving birth, a dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in your body can contribute to postpartum depression. Other hormones made by your thyroid can also drop sharply, which can make you feel tired, lazy, and depressed.
- Emotional problems. When you’re out of sleep and overwhelmed, it can be difficult to resolve even minor issues. You may be concerned about your ability to care for a newborn baby. You may feel less attractive, have problems with your sense of identity, or feel like you have lost control of your life. Any of these problems can contribute to postpartum depression.
Risk factors
Any young mother can have postpartum depression and develop after having a baby, not just the first. However, your risk increases if:Postpartum depression treatment Khammam
- You have a history of depression, whether during pregnancy or at other times
- You have bipolar disorder
- You have had postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy
- You have family members who have depression or other mood disorders
- In the past year you have experienced stressful events such as pregnancy complications, illness or job loss
- Your baby has health problems or other special needs
- You have twins, triplets, or other multiple births
- You have difficulty breastfeeding
Complications
If left untreated, postpartum depression can impair mother-child bonding and cause family problems.
- For mothers. Untreated postpartum depression can last months or more and sometimes lead to chronic depressive disorder. Even when treated, postpartum depression increases a woman’s risk of future major depressive episodes.
- For fathers. Postpartum depression can have a ripple effect and create emotional distress for everyone around a new baby. When a new mother is depressed, the baby’s father may also be at greater risk of becoming depressed. And new fathers are already at increased risk for depression whether or not their partner is affected.Postpartum depression treatment Khammam
Prevention
If you have had depression in the past, especially postpartum depression, tell your doctor if you are planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you discover you are pregnant.
- During pregnancy, your doctor may monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of depression. He or she can have you complete a screening questionnaire for depression during your pregnancy and after giving birth. Sometimes mild depression can be treated with support groups, counseling, or other therapy. In other cases, antidepressants may be recommended – including during pregnancy.
- After your baby is born, your doctor may recommend an early postpartum examination to check for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. The sooner it is detected, the sooner treatment can begin. If you have had postpartum depression in the past, your doctor may recommend that you: Postpartum depression treatment Khammam