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Pregnancy and Childbirth Postpartum

Postpartum Depression

Introduction

Becoming a  mother can be difficult. This is due to a major psychological shift from viewing oneself as a woman who is pregnant to viewing oneself as a new mother. This major emotional shift may create problems.

Following childbirth, seesawing emotions and heightened emotional responses may occur. This emergence of emotions is either called postpartum blues or baby blues. The frequency varies, but may occur around 50 percent of the time. It is considered a normal variant following the birthing process. These periods may be characterized by mood lability, irritability, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, periods of weeping may be present, and other mood disorders. It usually tends to occur two to five days after giving birth. It usually resolves without requiring medical treatment within a week or two. In addition to mood swings, crying spells may occur as well. This is not unusual as the woman’s body tries to readjust itself after the momentous events of childbirth. Mood swings are usually due to changing hormone levels in the woman’s body. It is a common finding following many pregnancies. In addition to discussing the symptoms with your gynecologist and obstetrician, it may also help you to discuss your feelings with friends, your spouse, and your family. The key is not to be afraid to ask for help, especially when you need to sleep. Postpartum blues is a mild form of depression, however, and if it does get more severe, the term is postpartum depression. If this is the case there may be a persistent inability to cope.
 

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

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