Depression in Women and Postpartum Depression

A mood disorder in which the patient feels sad, hopeless and loses interest
It may be mild, moderate or severe.

Symptoms

Psychological

Sadness

Hopeless

Helpless

Sleeping difficulties

Difficulty concentrating

Thoughts of suicide and attempts of suicide

Physical

Fatigue

Digestion difficulties

Chronic pain

Headache

Studies showed that depression affects women more than men. This is related to her hormonal changes during throughout women’s life and her personality character in general. There are times where depression is experienced the most and they are premenstrual period, pregnancy and post-delivery or miscarriage and during menopause.

Postpartum depression and postpartum blues

Postpartum blues include mood swings, sadness, crying, irritability and insomnia this may affect up to 80% of women shortly after giving birth and usually lasts within two weeks.

Postpartum depression is more severe form in which a patient may have suicidal thoughts or inability to take care of the baby.

Timing of postpartum depression

It occurs during the first days after giving birth and in some patients, symptoms start even before delivery. And lasts from weeks up to a year

Risk Factors of depression and postpartum depression

History of depression or anxiety
A family history of depression
Moderate to severe premenstrual symptoms
Stressful events experienced during pregnancy
History of stillbirth or miscarriage
Formula-feeding instead of breast-feeding
Smoking
unemployment
Low social support and marriage problem
Low socioeconomic status
Infant sickness
Unplanned pregnancy

Management of depression and postpartum depression

Psychological support by doctors and family.

Antidepressant medications.

Not managing a patient with depression may lead to major problems in mother and newborn’s lives

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Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist

Depression in Women and Postpartum Depression | Dr N Layyous