Overview
Postpartum depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after giving birth. After giving birth moms can experience powerful emotions, from excitement to fear and anxiety. This can result in depression. Sometimes post partum depression is called peripartum depression because it can start during pregnancy and continue after birth. There is treatment that can help manage the symptoms.
Symptoms
- withdrawing from family and friends
- crying too much
- difficult bonding with your baby
- insomnia or sleeping too much
- depressed mood or severe mood swings
- loss of appetite or overeating
- feeling worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
- reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
- thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- recurring of death or suicide
When to see a doctor
If you are experiencing any symptoms of postpartum depression, you need to call your obstetrician or gynecologist or your primary healthcare provider and schedule an appointment. It’s important to call your healthcare provider if your symptoms include any of these features:
- make it hard to complete everyday tasks
- include thoughts of harming yourself of the baby
- don’t fade after 2 weeks
- make it hard for you to care for your baby
Causes of postpartum depression
Emotional issues: After giving birth parents go through a roller coaster of emotions. The emotions may be overwhelming, which lead to parents having trouble in handling even minor problems. You may be anxious about your ability to care for your newborn baby. All of these issues contribute to postpartum depression.
Genetics: Having a family history of postpartum depression increases the risk of experiencing postpartum depression
Hormonal changes: After giving birth there is a dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone in your body which may contribute to postpartum depression.