Can postpartum depression be prevented?
Written by: Dr/Ihab Wahba
Edited by: May Souliman
There’s no doubt that pregnancy, which lasts for long months, is kind of similar to an enjoyable trip, but with some difficulties that present as hormonal and physiological changes. This trip ends with the delivery of a newborn, bringing new challenges to the mother, who finds herself overwhelmed with feelings that are a mixture of joy, excitement, fear, and anxiety. Alas, in many cases these feelings turn into depression, known as postpartum depression, which may hinder the mother’s ability to normally go through her normal life, as well as her ability to take care of her newborn. This may turn from a fleeting feeling into a severe depression that, in some cases, may become chronic.
Let's consider the nature of the causes that lead to this, and the methods to avoid postpartum depression, in addition to the possible treatment. Dr. Ihab Wahba, one of the most important obstetricians and gynecologists, consultant urologist, and pelvic organ reconstruction surgeon, will tell us more about this topic.
How do we define postpartum depression?
It is the presence of the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, which are a combination of mood swings, anxiety and sadness, crying, reduced ability to concentrate, fatigue, and other symptoms ranging from slight to severe.
What causes lead the mother to postpartum depression (is it due to physiological or psychological causes)?
There’s no specific known cause for postpartum depression, but some of the main causing factors are:
- Hormonal changes that occur after birth, leading to a change in the level or function of nerve receptors
- Having a medical history of depression before pregnancy, which is one of the factors that increase the chance of developing postpartum depression.
- Using birth control pills that may cause mood changes.
- The presence of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
- Caesarean delivery.
- The presence of the symptoms of depression during pregnancy.
- Not breastfeeding the baby.
- Family problems, or difficulty taking care of the child with the absence of a, especially for young mothers.
- The first birth of the mother.
- A history of depression in the family
How can I know if what I am experiencing is postpartum depression or just normal feelings of sadness (symptoms)?
Symptoms are divided into two types, one of which is:
A mild type of symptoms called “Postpartum Blues” that occurs during the first days after birth and is cured on its own.
Its symptoms present as feelings of sadness with unexplained crying, a feeling of boredom, fatigue, irritability, difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
It is very important to pay attention to these symptoms, for their potential of developing into the pathological type.
The second type is called “postpartum depression”, which occurs during the first month after birth, and sometimes in the first year after birth.
As for its symptoms, they are the same symptoms that have already been mentioned, but with more severity, and for a longer time, accompanied by a feeling of guilt, inability to take care of the newborn, with a possible advancement into a feeling of a desire to harm oneself or others. Usually, the mother has a psychopathological history.
Does this condition necessarily affect all new mothers?
- Mild type: it occurs in about half of the births.
- Severe type: occurs in approximately 9% of births.
Is there a cure for postpartum depression or is it a condition that will fade over time?
The mild type usually fades on its own, with the symptoms being followed up by a doctor, in addition to the family care for the mother, providing moral and psychological support to her, and helping her take care of the newborn, especially during the night, to give her enough time to sleep and rest. Usually, the mother does not need help with sleeping, except for a few cases.
The second type needs medical care, with the administration of psychiatric medications that are appropriate for the level of depression or the diagnosed mental illness, in addition to the steps followed in the mild type. The likelihood of the disease continuing or returning in a future pregnancy is high.
What are the complications of postpartum depression?
In most cases, the symptoms of the disease are easy to control and treat with the help of family care and understanding, without the possibility of future complications.
In cases of severe depression after childbirth, it is possible that the disease period may be prolonged with the possibility of recurrence in the next pregnancy, as well as the possibility of aggression from the mother towards herself, or her surroundings in case of the lack of attention to the symptoms and the absence of treatment.
How can postpartum depression be prevented?
Careful studying of the pregnant woman’s mental health history, while making sure that she continues to take medications during pregnancy, especially with persistent disease cases, as well as providing care and psychological support early after childbirth.
Family care and support for the pregnant woman during pregnancy and the postpartum period, by surrounding the mother with positive feelings and emotionally containing her, as well as helping her to take care of the newborn.
The most important advice from the obstetrician gynecologist for new mothers:
- Early follow-up of pregnancy, while considering the pregnant woman’s psychological history.
- Care and emotional containment of the pregnant woman by her family during pregnancy and after childbirth is one of the most important preventives and mitigating factors for postpartum depression.
- Reducing family burdens and obligations for the mother.
- Pregnant women suffering from mental illnesses should follow the instructions of their psychiatrists and take prescribed medications.
- If symptoms of depression develop after childbirth or persist for a period of more than a month, it is necessary to refer to a doctor to undergo the appropriate treatment.
If you have more inquiries about postpartum depression ,or you have any other associated problems, you can book an appointment with Dr.Ehab F. Wahbah through this link