Pregnancy health centre

Postnatal depression

Postnatal depression (PND) is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioural changes that happen in a woman after giving birth. According to experts PND is a form of major depression that usually starts within the first four to six weeks after childbirth but may not develop for many months. The diagnosis of postnatal depression is based not only on the length of time between delivery and onset, but also on the severity of the depression.

What is postnatal depression?

Postnatal depression is linked to chemical, social, and psychological changes associated with having a baby. The term describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many new mothers experience. The good news is postnatal depression can be treated with medication and counselling.

It is no longer thought that the hormonal changes that occur after giving birth are responsible for postnatal depression. Life changes that occur after delivery are more likely to be responsible.

What are the symptoms of postnatal depression?

Symptoms of postnatal depression are similar to what happens normally following childbirth. They include lack of sleep, appetite changes, excessive fatigue, decreased libido, and frequent mood changes. However, these are also accompanied by the symptoms of major depression - depressed mood; loss of pleasure; feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness; and thoughts of death or suicide.

What increases the chance of having postnatal depression?

A number of factors can increase the risk of postnatal depression, including:

• A history of depression during pregnancy
• Age at time of pregnancy -- the younger you are, the higher the risk
• Ambivalence about the pregnancy
• Children - the more you have, the more likely you are to be depressed in a subsequent pregnancy
• Having a history of depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Limited social support
• Living alone
• Marital conflict

Who is at risk of postnatal depression?

Most new mothers experience the ‘baby blues’ after delivery. About one out of every 10 of these women will develop a more severe and longer-lasting depression after delivery. One in 1,000 women develops a more serious condition called postpartum psychosis.