Having a new baby is one of the greatest joys for a mother. At times this joy is mixed with anxiety and unhappiness. Postpartum depression is extended baby blues. In case of the latter the anxiety and tension of motherhood usually subsides soon after but if the conditions persists for more than a week then it is diagnosed as postpartum depression.
Symptoms of postpartum depression
Depression is common in new mothers and it usually subsides within a week of delivery. How do you identify between postpartum depression and baby blues? Baby blues usually settles in 3 to 5 days after delivery and continues till two weeks at the most. If the condition persists for longer combined with the listed signs then it is a possible case of postpartum depression.
- Heightened tendency to cry
- sadness
- irritable
- anxiety
- lack of focus
- appetite changes
- fatigue
- guilty feeling
- insecurity
are some postpartum depression signs. Lack of sleep, sudden mood changes and alienation from family and friends are other possible warning signs.
Causes for postpartum depression
Doctors have identified the changes in hormonal levels as one of the possible causes for this depressive behavior. Emotional vulnerability plays an important part in development of this condition. Sleeplessness triggers off feelings of inadequacy and capability to cope with situations. Other risk factors that increases the possibility of occurrence are:
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- Family history of depression
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Previous postpartum depression in earlier pregnancy
- Stressful pregnancy
- family problems
- Financial trouble
- Miscarriage or abnormal birth
- Physical changes in the mother
These are risk factors but are not causes for incurring this.
Postpartum depression treatment
This is a sensitive situation that needs to be handled after consultation with your doctor. Usually the treatment path includes medication and psychotherapy. It is ascertained that patient is not mentally ill from before. This is followed by a psychiatric evaluation. This includes asking of questions and probing into the background of the patient. Having a counseling session with a psychiatrist and talking out your problems solves most of the problems. Antidepressants may be administered after consultation with the doctor if the mother is breast feeding. Another treatment method includes lowering of hormones that is generating these feelings. Hormone therapy is undertaken in certain cases. The latter reduces milk productivity. Psychosis treatment involves:
- Anti psychotic agents
- Lithium
- Electroconvulsive therapy
- the latter is undergone only in extreme cases.
Self help involves talking to people, acceptance of your routine and finding time for yourself.
For information on Obstetrical Complications visit pregnancyxl.com.
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