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Symptoms of Post Partum Depression
Post partum depression refers to the type of depressive episode that can occur in the
period after giving birth – also referred to as post natal depression. It should not be
taken lightly and women who think they might be experiencing post partum
depression symptoms should seek medical help at an early opportunity.
Postpartum depression is not to be confused with simple 'baby blues' or 'maternity
blues' which are a short-lived and relatively mild form of moodiness that is also suffered by over 3/4
of all women who have recently given birth.
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It is not surprising that having gone through what will
probably be one of the (if not THE) most traumatic experiences of their lives -
the soreness, tiredness, discomfort, etc. - that women should suffer moody
periods before, during and after giving birth!
Typical symptoms of post birth mood swings:
With this more commonplace post birth moodiness, symptoms typically include:
irritability
tearfulness
sleeplessness
lack of concentration
headache
This 'lower level' condition may last from a few hours to several days. This common type of postpartum
sadness or moodiness is not considered to be the same ailment as fully-fledged major
postpartum depressive disorder.
The causes of major postpartum depression, however, are not fully understood, and in the search for better
understanding of the contributing factors, the following have been examined and are considered to be significant predictors of postpartum depression:
Post partum depression - key factors:
The relative effect amount is listed in parentheses next to the contributing feature:
Unplanned/unwanted pregnancy (.14 to .17)
Low socioeconomic status (.19 to .22)
Single parent (.21 to .35)
Maternity blues (.25 to .31)
Infant temperament problems/colic (.33 to .34)
History of previous depression (.38 to.39)
Poor marital relationship (.38 to .39)
Low social support (.36 to .41)
Life stress (.38 to .40)
Prenatal anxiety (.41 to .45)
Childcare stress (.45 to .46)
Prenatal depression, i.e., during pregnancy (.44 to .46)
Low self esteem (.45 to.47)
This list of factors is considered to correlate directly with postpartum depression.
Another possibly important factor which it is thought may contribute towards causing
major postpartum depression are the hormonal changes that occur
just after childbirth. This has not yet ben borne out by clinical studies, which have so far
failed to support a direct correlation between the two. it would appear likely that the wide
variability between individuals combined with one or more of the listed factors makes it hard
to predict the likelihood of post partum depression, or post natal depression occurring.
Nevertheless, postpartum depression is a serious condition which needs to be dealt with, urgently. Particularly as depression can lead to personal neglect
which can also extend to neglect of a vulnerable baby. The worst effects of postpartum depression have led to many
young or new Mum's abandoning their babies, or neglecting to care for them or feed them adequately.
If the depression is not recognized or treated in tme, then should the baby be adversely affected
in the long term, or even die, the Mother will suffer far greater emotional and personal consequences.
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