Table of contents:
- What causes postpartum depression?
- Postpartum depression recurs in the next pregnancy, is that true?
- How can you reduce your risk of recurring post partum depression?
Postpartum depression aka postpartum depression is a condition that is common, but unfortunately it is often not realized. One in seven women can develop depression after giving birth. This risk will also increase in women who already experience anxiety and depression during pregnancy. So, can postpartum depression recur in the next pregnancy?
What causes postpartum depression?
Experts don't fully understand why some women develop postpartum depression, while others don't.
What triggers depression is usually influenced by several different things, and not just one cause. But in general, feelings of sadness, anxiety, moody, irritability are triggered by hormonal changes after childbirth.
Risk factors for postpartum depression include major depression before pregnancy, early pregnancy, psychosocial stress, inadequate social support, consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs, and a family history of depressive disorders.
Symptoms of postpartum depression include bad mood, frequent crying, feeling hopeless (down), not excited / unable to enjoy enjoyable activities, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, eating disorders, suicidal tendencies, feelings of inadequacy. parents, and concentration problems.
Postpartum depression symptoms usually appear within the first five weeks after delivery, and last up to 6 months after delivery. However, depression can also occur at any time of the first year.
Postpartum depression recurs in the next pregnancy, is that true?
Yes. It is not impossible for postpartum depression to recur in subsequent pregnancies.
Women who have had previous postpartum depression are at increased risk of recurring depression in subsequent pregnancies.
Sheila Marcus, a professor in psychiatry at the University of Michigan says, basically if you've had one episode of unipolar postpartum depression, then you have a 30 percent greater risk of having it again.
If you have bipolar postpartum depression, the risk is roughly 50 percent greater. If you have had postpartum psychosis (a psychiatric disorder that is more severe than post partum depression), then you have a 70 percent greater risk of relapse in the next pregnancy.
This increased risk may influence the decisions of many women with a history of depression to have more children. Fortunately, if you are truly ready to have another baby, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of recurring postpartum depression.
How can you reduce your risk of recurring post partum depression?
If you have experienced post partum depression, try the following tips to reduce your risk of recurrence:
- Adhere to your medication. If you are on medication therapy, take the medicine as prescribed.
- Pregnant women are advised to be physically active. Experts say that women who are at risk for postpartum depression can benefit from at least 30-40 minutes of exercise three times a week.
- Reduce stress. Reduce stress as much as you can by doing what you find enjoyable. Therapy with a psychologist may help you figure out what things are stressing you out so that you can control them.
- Get more rest. Getting enough sleep after the baby is born is very important and you must be good at managing rest times.
- Consider drugs. Several clinical trials have shown mixed results on the benefits of taking antidepressant drugs during pregnancy. However, it is important to discuss with your doctor the dosage and consider the benefits and disadvantages for your condition.
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