While the birth of a baby may begin with powerful emotions ranging between excitement and fear, it may cause unexpected mental problems such as depression. Approximately all new moms experience postpartum “baby blues” after delivery often including sleeping problems, anxiety, crying spells, and mood swings. These symptoms may last up to a few weeks after childbirth.
There are some women who may experience a more severe and long-lasting form of depression called postpartum depression. In some cases, it is called peripartum depression because it begins during pregnancy and may last up after delivery. Furthermore, some women may experience postpartum psychosis but it is very rare.
This depression type is not a weakness or a pregnancy complication and without immediate treatment, it may lead to serious consequences.
Symptoms
People usually experience different symptoms that range from mild to severe. Check below some of them:
Baby Blues Symptoms
The following symptoms may last from a few days to several weeks. For example:
- Mood swings
- Crying
- Irritability
- Appetite changes
- Sleeping disturbances (insomnia)
- Poor concentration
- Anxiety
- Sadness
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Sometimes, physicians may mistake postpartum depression for baby blues but the symptoms of this depression type are more severe and last longer. The symptoms may interact with your ability to perform certain tasks and take care of your child. Moreover, the symptoms may begin during pregnancy or later up to one year after childbirth. Examples include:
- Prolonged crying
- Severe mood swings
- Isolating from family and friends
- Appetite changes (including reduced appetite or eating more than usual)
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Loss of energy
- Tiredness
- Loss of pleasure or interest in activities you previously enjoyed
- Intense irritability and anger
- Fear
- Hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
- Severe anxiety
- Restlessness
- Recurrent thoughts about death or suicide
- Panic attacks
- Decreased ability to make decisions and think clearly
- Frequent thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
If people with this depression type do not get treatment, it may last for many months or even more.
Postpartum Psychosis
This is a very rare condition that may happen in a woman after childbirth. Commonly, it appears within a week after delivery and causes severe symptoms. For example:
- Sleeping disturbances
- Paranoid feelings
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Increased energy
- Thoughts or attempts to harm yourself or the baby
If you ignore previous symptoms, it may lead to suicidal thoughts or even attempts. Generally, postpartum psychosis is considered a medical emergency.
Postpartum Depression in Other Parents
Some studies showed that some new fathers may experience this depression type too. They usually feel sad, tired, overwhelmed, and anxious, and may notice sleeping and eating changes. Previous symptoms are similar to those of postpartum depression in mothers. Males who have a family history of depression or experience relationship problems are more prone to develop this depression type. Sometimes, postpartum depression in fathers is called paternal postpartum depression.
In most cases, to treat postpartum depression in both fathers and mothers is the same.
If you think you or your partner experience postpartum depression symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare professional. Additionally, you should call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. if you have thoughts of harming your baby or yourself.
Causes
Commonly, people experience this depression type due to multiple causes. Check below some of them:
- Genetics – As per studies, people with a family history of depression are at increased risk of developing postpartum depression.
- Physical changes – Estrogen and Progesterone changes usually contribute to this depression type. However, certain thyroid hormones also may cause tiredness, sluggishness, and depression.
- Emotional problems – Sleeping issues may cause certain problems causing anxiety and others. Thus, these problems also may contribute to postpartum depression.
Risk Factors
Women may experience this depression type after the birth of any child not only the first. Check below some factors that increase the risk of developing postpartum depression:
- Family history of depression, mood disorders, or other mental health problems
- Bipolar disorder
- Previous postpartum depression
- Recent stressful events (including pregnancy complications, job loss, and others)
- Baby’s health problems
- Multiple births (including twins, triplets, or more)
- Breastfeeding issues
- Relationship problems with your partner or spouse
- Weak support system
- Financial problems
- Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
What Are The Possible Complications of Postpartum Depression?
People who ignore the symptoms and do not manage this depression type may experience certain complications. These include:
- Mothers – Not treating the condition may lead to an increased risk of suicide and breastfeeding problems. Moreover, people who do not treat postpartum depression are at higher risk of future episodes of this depression type.
- Fathers – New fathers who do not treat this depression type may cause emotional distress to other people and their children as well. Additionally, mothers with postpartum depression increase the risk of depression in fathers even if they are not affected.
- Children – An increased risk of developing behavioral and emotional problems including (sleeping disturbances, crying, and developmental delays) have children whose mothers experience postpartum depression.
Is it Possible to Prevent Postpartum Depression?
It is advised to consult with your healthcare professional about future pregnancy, especially if you have a history of depression or postpartum depression. For example:
- You should monitor depression symptoms and complete a questionnaire during and after pregnancy. In some cases, pregnant women require counseling, support groups, therapies, and medicines (when needed).
- Postpartum checkups are often recommended after childbirth to determine whether you have symptoms of this depression type or not. Some people with a history of postpartum depression should take antidepressants and have talk therapies right after delivery. In addition, approximately all antidepressants are safe to be taken during breastfeeding.
Diagnosis
First, physicians will ask you some questions about your feelings, thoughts, and history of mental disorders. In any case, do not worry because postpartum depression happens quite commonly, especially among new mothers. You should inform your doctor about all symptoms you experience to make the best treatment plan for you. Sometimes, physicians may perform some tests to confirm the condition or to rule out other diseases that cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
The treatments usually are different among people because they depend on several factors. For example your age, the severity of the condition, and existing health problems (such as thyroid conditions). Check below some treatment options:
Baby Blues
Commonly, this problem goes away on its own within 14 days. However, during this time you should consider the following tips. Examples include:
- Get plenty of rest
- Try to talk with other new mothers
- Do not drink alcohol and avoid recreational drugs
- Make time for yourself
- Accept your friends and family
- Inform your doctor about all problems you meet (including reduced milk production or breastfeeding problems)
Postpartum Depression
Healthcare professionals often recommend the following treatments for people with this depression type. Examples include:
- Psychotherapy – This treatment option also is called talk therapy and involves specific techniques that help cope with problems.
- Antidepressants – Sometimes, you may need antidepressants during breastfeeding. However, most of them are safe despite passing into breast milk.
- Other medications – Some people may need additional medications to treat conditions linked with postpartum depression. For example insomnia (trouble sleeping), anxiety, and others.
In addition, the first medicine approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for postpartum depression treatment in adult women is Brexanolone. However, it may cause serious adverse reactions. That’s why it is advised to stay in a hospital while getting the medicine intravenously (IV). An increased risk of severe negative effects makes this medicine unavailable widely.
Postpartum Psychosis
This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Check below the most common treatments used for people with postpartum psychosis:
- ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) – This procedure is usually used in people who have severe symptoms and do not respond to other treatments (such as medicines and psychotherapy). It involves small electric currents sent to the brain.
- Medications – Physicians also may recommend some medications along with ECT. These include antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers, certain antidepressants, and benzodiazepines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long postpartum depression may last?
Commonly, new mothers experience this condition for up to one year depending on the severity of the condition, existing health problems, and other factors. For more details, discuss it with your healthcare professional.
What is the primary cause of postpartum depression?
However, this depression type often happens due to a combination of factors including a history of mental disorders (including previous postpartum depressions), new baby stress, changing family roles, and others.
What are the most common postpartum depression symptoms?
These include:
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of pleasure or interest in activities you previously enjoyed
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Disturbing thoughts
- Lack of energy
- Fatigue
- Hopelessness
If you or your partner experiences any of the previous symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare provider. Ask your doctor if you have additional questions.
