| All expecting mothers are scared stiff by the | | | | sufficient rest, reassurance, and support |
| thought of giving birth, even those who | | | | from family and friends. |
| don´t admit it, During the nine months of | | | | |
| waiting, expectant mothers have their regular | | | | People often confuse the baby blues with |
| check ups, and their physicians really do | | | | postpartum depression because they have |
| their best to calm and motivate the | | | | common symptoms. Postpartum depression may |
| mothers-to-be. Expectant mothers usually buy | | | | appear to be the baby blues at first, but the |
| tons of books and magazines about childbirth, | | | | signs and symptoms are more intense and |
| pregnancy and health in preparation for their | | | | longer lasting, eventually interfering with a |
| upcoming baby. They read every detail about | | | | woman's ability to function as a mother. |
| pregnancy and child care. | | | | Moreover, some women do not tell anyone about |
| | | | their symptoms because they feel embarrassed, |
| Giving birth is a magical moment in most | | | | ashamed or guilty about being depressed when |
| mothers' lives, yet many fear it the first | | | | they're supposed to be happy about having |
| time it happens to them. Questions run | | | | given birth to a healthy baby. |
| through their minds like what will happen to | | | | |
| them, what should they prepare for, is the | | | | Postpartum depression is more debilitating |
| baby going to be fine, and a long list of | | | | than the baby blues. Women with this |
| other nagging questions about pregnancy and | | | | condition suffer from melancholy, feelings of |
| childbirth. Every woman will experience | | | | inadequacy, guilt, anxiety, irritability, and |
| something different and unique during birth. | | | | fatigue. Physical symptoms include headaches, |
| In the United States and other western | | | | numbness, chest pain and hyperventilation. A |
| countries, the risk of complications is low. | | | | woman with postpartum depression may regard |
| But after giving birth, there are changes, | | | | her child with negativity or disinterest. An |
| both expected and unexpected, such as | | | | adverse effect on the bonding between mother |
| postpartum depression. | | | | and child may result because of this |
| | | | particular pregnancy and childbirth-related |
| After childbirth, a dramatic drop in estrogen | | | | mental and emotional distress. Because this |
| and progesterone may trigger depression. The | | | | syndrome is still poorly defined and under |
| hormones produced by the thyroid gland may | | | | studied, it tends to be under reported. |
| also drop sharply and leave the woman who | | | | Estimates of its occurrence range from 3% to |
| recently gave birth feeling tired, sluggish, | | | | 20% of births. The depression can begin at |
| and depressed. Changes in a woman's blood | | | | any time between delivery and 6 months |
| volume, blood pressure, immune system, and | | | | post-birth, and may last up to several months |
| metabolism can lead to fatigue and mood | | | | or even a year. |
| swings. However, some women may experience a | | | | |
| deep and ongoing depression which lasts much | | | | Postpartum psychosis is a relatively rare |
| longer. This is called postpartum depression. | | | | disorder. The symptoms include extreme |
| Researchers have identified three types of | | | | confusion, fatigue, agitation, alterations in |
| postpartum depression: baby blues, postpartum | | | | mood, feelings of hopelessness and shame, |
| depression and postpartum psychosis. | | | | hallucinations, and rapid speech or mania. |
| | | | Studies indicate that it affects only one in |
| The "baby blues" is the most minor form of | | | | 1,000 births. Postpartum psychosis requires |
| postpartum depression, Several major rapid | | | | immediate treatment, often in the hospital. |
| changes are brought about by this form of | | | | When a woman's safety is assured, treatment |
| depression including a drop in hormone | | | | may begin with antidepressant medications or |
| levels, breast engorgement, and reluctance to | | | | hormone therapy. |
| return home from the hospital after the | | | | |
| delivery. "Baby Blues" usually start one to | | | | Experiencing depression after childbirth |
| three days after delivery. It is | | | | isn't a character flaw or a weakness. |
| characterized by weeping, irritability, lack | | | | Sometimes it's simply part of giving birth. |
| of sleep, mood changes, and a feeling of | | | | If a woman is depressed, prompt treatment can |
| vulnerability. The baby blues are not an | | | | help manage her symptoms and enjoy the baby |
| illness, as they will go away on their own. | | | | and the rest of her new life as a mother. |
| There is no treatment necessary other than | | | | |