When does postpartum depression start, and what are its causes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I would like to know about postpartum depression. What are the common symptoms shown by a woman suffering from postpartum depression? How soon will it surface in a woman after pregnancy? Why do women face this problem after giving birth to a newborn? How to manage this health issue?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Postpartum depression occurs due to changes in serum concentrations of several hormones, like a decrease in estrogen and progesterone. Other changes occur in the cortisol, melatonin, oxytocin, and thyroid hormones. Although hormone levels normally fluctuate during pregnancy and following parturition, increased sensitivity to these normal changes may predispose women to depression. The risk factors include depression during pregnancy or a history of depression perinatally (antenatal or postnatal).

Signs include:

1. The mother is not breastfeeding.

2. Poor child healthcare.

3. Not bonding with the infant.

4. Ignoring the baby.

5. Not talking to anyone.

6. Suicidal thoughts.

It should be differentiated from postpartum psychosis, in which a mother can kill her baby.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.