POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Postpartum Depression

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Postpartum Depression

What is Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a medical conditon that occurs in women after child birth. According to the American College of Obstetricans and Gynecologists, “about 10 percent of new moms experience postpartum depression''. It can also develop after miscarriage, stillbirth, and adoption. This condition usually develops within the first year after childbirth. Postpartum depression can be treated, but the length of treatment depends on the severity of it when diagnosed. This paper will discuss the signs and syptoms of postpartum depression, causes and treatment of it.

Understanding “Postpartum Depression

Pregnancy and having a baby is supposed to be a period of immense joy for women and their families. In most situations, it is. In certain circumstances, it is a time of immense despair, hurting not only the Mother, but also affecting the Dad, baby and the entire family.

During pregnancy and the year or more following childbirth, referred to as postpartum, a woman may experience a wide range of physical and emotional changes. Women may encounter these problems in a multitude of ways. The symptoms can cause mild to severe distress, and persist for a few days to over a year.

A woman is in a radiance of bliss and suddenly, without warning, bursts into tears. Out of nowhere, the new Mom is sad and extremely nervous about taking care of a newborn that she has been anxiously awaiting for nine months. The sudden moodiness, in addition to irritability and sadness, is behavior that is commonly known as the “baby blues”.

Professional attention and family support is critical when these feelings become more intense and the symptoms persist longer than two weeks. This more serious condition is defined as “postpartum depression” and although there is a distinct discrepancy, it is repeatedly confused with the “baby blues”. “Postpartum depression” is a recognized mental health disorder that can be debilitating and more exacerbated without proper treatment.

According to the College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, there are significant differences in the symptoms, severity, duration and treatment of perinatal mood disorders, known as “baby blues” and “postpartum depression.” As Moms and Dads, families, doctors and caregivers, we need to understand which emotions are normal to childbirth, and which are abnormal, necessitating appropriate treatment.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and syptoms of postpartum depression are more intense than baby blues. It may appear to be baby blues at first but it last longer than a few weeks. Symptoms of postpartum depression include extreme fatigue, loss of pleasure in daily life, sleeplessness, sadness, tearfulness, anxiety, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, irritability, appetite change, and poor concentration. PPD seems to be triggered by the changes in hormone levels that occur after pregnancy. These hormonal changes are especially likely to lead to postpartum depression if you've had depression before, have poor support from your partner, friends, or family, or are under significant additional stress. PPD is best treated with counseling, certain antidepres`123X sant medications, or a combination of the ...