Post Pregnancy Depression - Symptoms and Cure - Omilights-Connecting World with the Power of Words

Post Pregnancy Depression – Symptoms and Cure

post-pregnancy

Motherhood is one of the greatest blessings by God to a woman. Woman faces this crucial phase of her life by bearing pain, facing mood-swings, sleeplessness nights, morning sickness, nausea and body swelling along with other problems from the conception till delivery.

However, post delivery period is one of the most challenging time a woman has to cope up with. Not only because of added responsibilities of the “Newly addition of the family member” but also because of the physical changes she has gone through. The woman body which is exhausted physically as well as mentally and needs to be recovered.

Also Read: Common Myths and Facts about Breastfeeding 

During  nine months of duration the pregnant woman had been an apple of eye for everyone including her husband and in-laws. But suddenly, paradigm shifts to the newborn; although nobody can ignore the fact that mother also needs equal love and care. Many women take this transition smoothly, however there are women who may not be able to handle situation, and may land into depressive condition, also known as postpartum depression or post pregnancy depression.

Causes of Post Pregnancy Depression

  • Hormonal fluctuations decreased level of progesterone,estrogen, serotonin hormone post delivery.
  • Stress full pregnancy or Traumatic or stressful delivery
  • Unplanned pregnancy or multiple foetus
  • Congenital or birth defects of baby
  • Gender discrimination
  • History of miscarriages, difficult pregnancy, depression during pregnancy.
  • History of depression in family
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Low socioeconomic status, unemployment
  • Poor relation with spouse , single parent
  • Poor family support

10 Common Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

  • Extreme mood swings post-pregnancy-depression
  • Sadness ,Worthlessness
  • Low energy levels
  • Crying episodes
  • Irritability, mental confusion, lack of concentration, memory loss
  • Indifference towards the baby
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Loss of appetite
  • Inability to do daily tasks
  • Lack of social interaction or social withdrawal

When to Seek Medical Attention ?

Baby blue” or “maternal blue” is the term given to brief episode of symptoms like sadness, irritability, anxiety, exhaustion post delivery. This is a transient stage that may last up-to two weeks accompanied by milder symptoms, and may affect 70%-80% of pregnancies. However, when these symptoms become so severe that the women is not able to do daily routine work, post pregnancy depression is suspected.

Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Treatment strategies may include pharmacological and non pharmacological approach. In pharmacological approach include usage of medicines aim to cure  depression with use anti depressant or mood stabilising drugs. Make sure to rule out the safety index for breastfeeding Non pharmacological approach includes psychotherapy and repetitive counselling session.

post-pregnancy-yoga

Doing breathing exercises like meditation and yoga can also cure any type of depression to a greater extent. But this needs to have a good training in Yoga first before starting practicing otherwise Yoga could have adverse side effects too.


Also Read: How to do Yoga for better results ?

Tips to Avoid Depression after Delivery

  • Planning reduces anxiety, so plan everything before baby arrives
  • Join prenatal yoga classes or maternity group
  • Socialism with new moms or support groups and discuss problems with them
  • Get a “Me” time to revive post delivery trauma.
  • Just love yourself and pamper yourself!
  • Get some domestic help or call you’re in laws or parents to take care of you and baby
  • Take proper diet and rest and exercise or yoga
  • Massage your baby
  • Breastfeed your baby

Prevention is Better than Cure

However most of the patients are not recognized by family members due to negligence. Prenatal counseling sessions or routine screening by a physician can be helpful. Moreover any significant family history, personnel history and medical history of pregnant woman should be ruled out and taken care off.

It’s the support of family which may prevent worsening the symptoms. Everyone at home should be sympathetic to the women’s emotional turmoil. Always remember a healthy mother can raise a healthy child.

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