Postpartum Depression in Women
postpartum depressionIt is a type of depression seen in mothers who have just given birth.postpartum depressionAlso called (PPT). These are all the physical, emotional and behavioral changes seen in women who have just given birth. With the birth of the baby, the mother may experience stress and mistake it for depression. Diagnosing postpartum depression depends not only on the relationship between birth and observed symptoms, but also on the severity of depression and the duration of symptoms.
What is Postpartum Depression?
PregnancyDuring pregnancy, female hormones rise. With birth, hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels. The sudden change in hormones causes a chemical change in the body. As we all know, hormonal changes do not directly lead to postpartum depression.
Follow-up plan during pregnancy and birth; It should be created by evaluating the medical history of the expectant mother, the week of pregnancy, findings about the baby, and the conditions of the center where the birth will take place [1][2].
Article Summary
Postpartum depression is a type of depression seen in mothers who have just given birth. It is also called postpartum depression (PPT).
What Will You Find in This Article?
- What is Postpartum Depression?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- Postpartum Depression Symptoms:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- Mood Changes:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- Physical Symptoms:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
However, there are also social and psychological changes and responsibilities as a mother. Personal characteristics and social expectations of the new motherpostpartum depressioncan contribute to its development. The physical and emotional changes experienced by women during this process and their reflection on behavior are defined as postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
postpartum depressionSymptoms started to appear within 2 weeks. Postpartum depression occurs within 3 months after birth. Although rare, it may occur later. symptomsduring pregnancyIt may also start.
The decision on the method of birth is not based on a single criterion; It should be given taking into account the safety of the mother and baby, previous birth history and current examination findings [2][3].
“The aim of the Postpartum Depression process in women is to plan the birth according to individual conditions while protecting the safety of the expectant mother and the baby.”
However, in order to be called postpartum depression, it must continue to exist after birth. This happens in 10-20% of women who have just given birth. However, because people do not tell those around them how they feel, they think that the real rate is higher than the known rate.
Mood Changes
postpartum depression Mood changes that can be seen are as follows:
If you are wondering about the details regarding this subjectWeek by Week Developments During PregnancyYou can review our article.
- Despair,
- feeling of worthlessness,
- depressed mood,
- Feelings of tension and anxiety,
- Decreased interest and desire,
- Frequent crying or inability to cry.
- Constantly changing mood
- Feeling sad and unhappy,
- Feeling inadequate and guilty.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms that can be seen in postpartum depression are as follows:
To look at the issue from a broader perspectivePre-Pregnancy TestsYou can review our article.
- Easily getting tired and weak, loss of energy with the baby
- Often slowing down or moving,
- inability to relax tension
- Loss of libido and withdrawal from sexual intercourse.
- Sleep disorders (constant inability to fall asleep or sleepiness),
- Eating disorders (eating too much or too little).
Symptoms That Can Be Seen in Thought
Thought changes that can be seen in postpartum depression are as follows:
- Don't criticize yourself,
- Carelessness
- Thoughts of death and suicide.
- blame yourself
- Feelings of inadequacy for the baby,
- Difficulty making immediate conclusions or decisions,
- to despair,
- Afraid that everything will happen for the worst,
- Ideas that are less successful in others
- Thoughts deemed worthless by others,
- Confusion of thoughts.
Behavioral Symptoms
postpartum depression The behavioral changes that can be seen are as follows:
- staying away from the crowd,
- not going out,
- Lack of self-care
- Inability to meet the needs of daily life or to meet them more than necessary,
- Inability to do things that used to be enjoyable,
- losing control,
- Arguing, shouting.
Who is at Risk of Postpartum Depression?
- Pregnant women who cannot receive maternal support
- Developmental defects of the baby,
- If the baby needs intensive care,
- baby miscarriage,
- Unexpected/unwanted pregnancy,
- Those who have more than one child,
- History of mental illness during pregnancy and postpartum in first-degree relatives
- History of sexual trauma
- People who have previously experienced depression
- Pregnant women with diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic and neurological diseases,
- Lack of support and isolation from relatives and friends after birth
- People who have experienced premature birth, trauma,
- Early pregnancy or late pregnancy,
- Early or late marriage, unwanted marriages,
- People experiencing depression during pregnancy,
- People who face other difficulties in life
- Those who have relationship problems,
- People living alone
- Inadequate socio-economic conditions,
- People who have experienced a difficult birth risk
These characteristics increase the risk of postpartum depression. However, it cannot be said that all new mothers with these characteristics suffer from postpartum depression. Many women suffer from postpartum depression will survive, but one in ten women will experience more severe and longer-lastingpostpartum depressionwill live. One in every 1000 women experiences birth psychosis.
Symptoms that occur during pregnancy do not always have the same meaning; In cases such as bleeding, severe pain, regular contractions or decreased baby movements, evaluation is required without delay [1][3].
References
- [1] WHO - Recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience- International recommendations for pregnancy monitoring, counseling and safe follow-up.
- [2] WHO - Intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience- Guide for the birth process, birth support and safe care principles.
- [3] ACOG - Clinical Guidance: Obstetrics- Clinical guide archive for pregnancy, birth and women's health practices.