Postpartum Depression - Motherhood isn't easy!!

Postpartum depression is a condition affected by women after childbirth. It causes both physical and mental changes. Postpartum depression starts immediately within 4 weeks of pregnancy and can last up to one year. With proper medication and counseling, we can diagnose this depression. Excessive crying, loss of appetite, insomnia, restlessness, intense irritability, and anger are symptoms of this depression. It can also affect the bonding between family and friends. The causes of postpartum depression include family history, bipolar disorder, depression before pregnancy, multiple births, or a weak supporting system. Recent studies show that postpartum depression can also affect men. Hormonal changes and lack of sleep can cause depression in men.

hormonal changes and lack of sleep can cause depression in men. It can affect up to 30 percent of men. Postpartum depression in parents is considered a serious medical condition and can affect the development of the child if not treated. The treatment of postpartum depression varies depending on the severity and type of symptoms.?Antianxiety or anti-depression medications and psychotherapy are the best ways to treat this depression. The type of postpartum depression includes baby blues. It can be cured quickly in a short time. Postpartum depression affects women’s ability to return to the normal functioning of the body. This depression can affect women having depression in any trimester of pregnancy. Common anti-depressants used for postpartum depression include paroxetine (Paxil), Sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine( Prozac).

The brain response and behavior of the mother are affected by postpartum depression. Obstetric risk factors include low birth infant and low hemoglobin. Lack of social support also has an effect on this depression. Smoking during pregnancy can cause depression. Eating habits, exercise, and physical activities can affect mental health. The conversion of Vitamin B6 to tryptophan which then later converts to serotonin affects postpartum depression. Physical exercise increases endogenous endomorphins and opioids which have positive effects on health. This also increases self-confidence and problem-solving ability. Lack of exercise causes postpartum depression. This depression mainly occurs in adolescent females and women living in urban areas. Hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin plays important role in postpartum depression.?

Reproductive hormones have a role in neuroendocrine pathophysiology for postpartum depression. This is caused by alterations in multiple endocrine and biological systems such as?the immunological system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis( HPA).?This hypothalamic-pituitary axis is involved in the process of causing disease in postpartum depression. If the function of the HPA axis is not normal, it will lead to the release of catecholamines which causes a poor stress response. An increase in the level of oxytocin also increases depressive symptoms.?We can reduce postpartum depression by giving proper care to women during pregnancy times and also?giving social awareness by conducting programs.

Author: Malavika padmakumar - Scientific Content Writer at Bioclinica Biosciences .