Postpartum Depression - No Case of Baby Blues?

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is simply the depression brought about by pregnancy. It may be diagnosed during or after a mother gives birth to her child. The most common cause of postpartum depression is hormonal changes, but the again the level of severity could vary from one mother to another. Postpartum depression signs and symptoms will definitely show if and when a person suffers from it. It is best to check out your doctor if you suspect you have the disease.

Postpartum depression can bring about severe effects not only to the patient, but also to her whole family in general. Medically, this disease can cause the baby to be born underweight or premature. And after delivery, the mother will have difficulty taking care of herself and her baby. She would tend to eat less and lose weight, have trouble sleeping, and fail to keep her appointments with the doctor.

More importantly, the mother may succumb to alcohol, tobacco, and prohibited drugs abuse. These substances are very harmful to a woman who is either pregnant or had given recently birth. The detrimental effects of postpartum depression can't really be ignored so it is best to get the advice of health experts.

The Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

The most common of all the postpartum depression symptoms is the intense feeling of sadness, hopeless, and being overwhelmed with the idea of being pregnant and giving birth. This could bring about restlessness, irritability, or both to the mother. Some mothers resort to crying a lot because of their condition, while some seem to develop lack or energy or motivation to do things. Most of these are caused by the fact that postpartum depression makes mothers eat less and sleep less. They have difficulty remembering, focusing, or even making simple decisions. They withdraw from close friends and even their families. The do this because they feel guilty due to their present situation.

On the other hand, some mothers do the opposite. They tend to eat much and sleep much bringing them headaches, palpitation, hyperventilation, and chest pains. And they also lose interest in a lot of things, including pleasurable activities. They feel worthless so they confine within themselves.

Continue to: Post partum Depression Treatment

Related Articles

Seven Symptoms That You Are Getting Into A Depression
You are Unable to Recognize Signs of Anxiety? Try Anxiety Screening Tests!
Try Psychotherapy Before Your Mild Depression Gets Serious!
Your Nervous Child Might Be Combating Anxiety Disorder on His Own!
Clinical Depression Could Turn Your Healthy Life Into A Nightmare!
Unable to Enjoy Life? Could it be Dysthymia?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Harassed by Unwanted Thoughts?
Recognizing Common Types of Phobias

Bookmark this Page Email this to your friend Add this page to del.icio.us