Postpartum Depression – A Severe Condition Affecting You After The Delivery

After pregnancy, most of the new moms feel happy for a moment and then from the next moment they feel sad.

There are two conditions; they are baby blues and postpartum depression; from which you may suffer after giving birth to your baby.

Baby Blues is the condition; in which you feel moody and sad for a week.

Postpartum depression is the condition which continues for more than two weeks.

Postpartum depression after pregnancy makes you feel anxious, restless, worthless and fatigued.

Most of the new moms will hurt themselves or their babies. Postpartum depression does not go away quickly. In the very rare conditions, new moms will suffer from something more serious.

Sometimes they may not eat, feel trouble while sleeping and finally after the pregnancy this can lead to postpartum depression.

Warning signs of postpartum depression:

These warning signs indicate you that you are in postpartum period, so call your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Crying that lasts for several days

    Postpartum Depression

  • Fever greater than 101 F
  • Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, worthless and over guilty
  • Feeling irritable, restless and anxious
  • Interfering depression with your ability to take of your baby or busy in other normal daily functions
  • Lack of motivation and energy to do things
  • Lack of interest in yourself and your family
  • Loss of appetite
  • Thoughts of harming the baby
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Sleeplessness and intense fatigue
  • Sudden weight loss or weight gain

The reasons behind postpartum depression:

If you have any of the following symptoms then you are more likely to get postpartum depression.

  • A difficult marriage
  • Depression not relating to your pregnancy
  • Having few friends and family members to talk to or depend on
  • Chronic premenstrual syndrome
  • Previous postpartum syndrome
  • Stressful life events in your pregnancy or after the birth

The exact cause of postpartum depression in a woman is still not known. There is a greater change in your hormone levels during your pregnancy and after the childbirth.

The hormonal changes can cause chemical changes in the brain which play a great role in causing postpartum depression.

How can you affect with postpartum depression?

  • Any one can be affected with postpartum depression whether it is her first child or second.
  • Women who have a family history of depression are more likely to suffer from this condition.
  • If you have had this condition with your previous pregnancy then there are 50-80% chances of suffering from it in your future pregnancies.
  • If you experience depression during pregnancy then you are more likely to develop postpartum depression.

Treating postpartum depression:

If you are suffering from this condition, it is essential to get help as soon as you can. Without proper treatment it will become severe and continue for years. Various forms of therapies are available to treat the condition effectively.

  • Taking antidepressants is one of the common treatments. If you are breastfeeding, you should consult the doctor before taking any medications as they can cause a huge decrease in your breast milk.
  • Psychological treatments are also beneficial, either in single form or in combination with medications.
  • Support groups are also helpful in throwing away your postpartum depression.

Remember that postpartum can be a great time for adjustment. So, don’t be depressed.

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