Postpartum Depression: Causes, Symptoms, Risks And Treatment

Image: Shutterstock

While the arrival of a baby is a considerably happy affair, some new mothers may exhibit signs of restlessness, frustration, and emotional withdrawal toward the little one. These signs could likely indicate postpartum depression, affecting the parents and the baby, unless appropriately addressed.

Although it is not uncommon for mothers to experience mood changes after delivery, PPD is more severe and has no one to blame for its onset. Give this post a read to understand what causes this condition, ways to identify it, treatment options, and tips to help the new mom enjoy her little bundle of joy.

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression (PPD) is an affective disorder characterized by sadness, worry, exhaustion, fear, and disinterest (1). While the term is often used interchangeably with baby blues and perinatal depressionⁱA major depressive episode characterized by extreme sadness during pregnancy , it differs slightly from both.

Baby blues or postpartum dysphoria is an acute form of depression characterized by mild symptoms of frustration, tiredness, tearful sadness, and being overwhelmed arising from hormonal changes during pregnancy. These symptoms appear within the first four days of childbirth, peak within the week, and disappear within about two weeks (2).

Postpartum depression, however, is when the symptoms of baby blues continue to intensify beyond two weeks, often impairing the mother from caring for herself and the baby. It can also occur as an extension of perinatal depression or depression during pregnancy, which is  characterized by recurring episodes of depressive symptoms lasting throughout pregnancy and the first year of motherhood.

Image: IStock

Quick fact

Studies indicate that about eighty percent of women experience maternity blues, among whom about ten percent experience an increasing intensity of depressive symptoms beyond the two weeks (1).

How Common Is Postpartum Depression?

According to researchers using the ‘pregnancy risk assessment monitoring systemⁱA database system under the superintendence of the CDC for monitoring and addressing maternal and child health concerns ,’ postpartum depression occurs among one in every eight women, with an estimated incidence rate of seven to twenty percent (3). In addition, studies estimated that about 0.1 to 0.2 percent of mothers have an incidence of a severe form of postpartum depression with associated psychosis (4) (1). Stigma surrounding mental health issues, including postpartum depression, may contribute to underreporting of these conditions.

Which Populations Have A Greater Risk For PPD?

Research studies indicate that certain factors put women at risk for the onset of postpartum depression.

These risk factors include (3) (11):

• Family or personal history of depression (5)
• Birth complications requiring NICU care
• Separation from baby at birth
• Infant sleep, lactation, and crying problems (8)
• Complicated, multiple, or preterm pregnancies (4)
• Stressful or traumatic life events following pregnancy
• Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (7)
• Lower-income and poor social support
• History of substance use and nicotine dependence (10)

Point to consider

Studies indicate that about eighty percent of women experience maternity blues, among whom about ten percent experience an increasing intensity of depressive symptoms beyond the two weeks (1).

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression?

The following signs can be used to identify postpartum depression (4) (13).

• Lack of concentration at home or work
• Inability to stay organized
• Postpartum anxiety about the baby
• Feeling disconnected from the baby
• Recurring crying spells
• Disinterest towards previously enjoyable things
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Feelings of self-doubt and guilt over being a caregiver
• Feelings of hopelessness, overwhelmingness, and helplessness
• Altered eating and sleeping patterns

Rachel, a mother of two, reveals that the pandemic situation and a traumatic birth might have been responsible for her postpartum depression. She shares how PPD manifested in her case. She says, “I was still having nightmares and intrusive flashbacks to the birth, and at my six week follow up my OB referred me to therapy, suspecting both PTSD and PPD… We were already on fairly rocky footing when Ian started going through the usual sleep regressions. I could feel whatever tiny reserves I had evaporate. I could hold it together during the day, mostly. But at night I fell apart. Adrian would fight her bedtime or Ian would throw up on me right after I’d showered and the rage I felt was all out of proportion. I wanted to cry or scream or quit. My anxiety would ramp up as evening approached, as I anticipated yet another sleepless night. At 3am frantically pacing the living room and attempting to get Ian to stop crying, hoping he wouldn’t wake the toddler or the neighbors (i)”

Image: IStock

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

The onset of postpartum depression has several interrelated causes that may have nothing to do with parental behavior. While research has been undertaken to understand the root cause, here are a few known factors that may be contributing to the problem.

1. Hormonal changes

While pregnancy is marked by profound hormonal changes, there is a marked drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone just after delivery. This sudden change may trigger a rapid shift in a mother’s mood, making her feel unbalanced or overwhelmed (11). These postpartum hormones play a crucial role in regulating emotions and can affect a new mother’s mental health.

2. Exhaustion

Image: IStock

Sleep deprivation is a common issue that new mothers face, which can lead to physical discomfort and disarray in their thought process. In addition, they also experience worry and anxiety concerning the baby’s care and safety which may feel stressful to them. These feelings, along with their physical changes, may lead to exhaustion and lack of concentration (11). In a comprehensive meta-analysis involving multiple institutions, researchers discovered that poor sleep quality during pregnancy in women raises the risk of postpartum and perinatal depression by 2.71 times and 3.46 times, respectively.

3. History of anxiety and mood disorders

Some studies indicate that mothers with a history of anxiety or mood disorders are more likely to have an onset of postpartum depression than those without it. These studies also trace a link between cases with a family history of postpartum depression and its recent onset in a parent (12).

Did you know?

Studies indicate that about eighty percent of women experience maternity blues, among whom about ten percent experience an increasing intensity of depressive symptoms beyond the two weeks (1).

When To See A Doctor?

While most symptoms may gradually wane with adequate and timely assistance, PPD may turn worrisome in rare cases. A persistent or increasing intensity of symptoms, along with an onset of psychosis-like features, requires immediate medical attention. These features may include (13)
(14):

• Irritability and aggressive or disorganized behavior and speech
• Signs of hypervigilance, maniaⁱA mood disorder characterized by euphoria, impulsivity, and delusions , or hypomania
• Delusions (a belief that they are being controlled)
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others can’t)
• Paranoia or mistrust towards everyone (including the baby)
• Depersonalization (talking of self from a third-person perspective)
• Intrusive thoughts of harming others, self, or baby

Can Postpartum Depression Affect Your Baby?

Anecdotal studies on the effect of maternal postpartum depression indicate a few ways in which the newborn is affected. The child may experience (15) (16) (17):

• Poor parent-child bonding
• Behavioral problems
• Lack of medical attention
• Feeding and sleeping issues
• Developmental issues
• Higher risk of childhood obesity
• Impaired social skills

It’s important to note that these studies are not conclusive and further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between maternal depression and newborn care.

How Is Postpartum Depression Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of postpartum depression follows two predominant steps.

1. Psychological self-assessments

The clinician, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, uses a self-assessment questionnaire such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale with a checklist for the mother (17). The questions are designed to assess the onset and severity of the presenting symptoms and other essential parameters.

2. Reports from primary caregivers

A report is collected from the primary caregivers to understand the personal or medical history and the duration of the likely symptoms. The responses, in addition to these reports, help establish a diagnosis and determine the required treatment.

How Is Postpartum Depression Treated?

Image: IStock

The treatment for postpartum depression is similar to that of treating major depressive disorder while keeping the breastfeeding child in mind. Here are a few standard therapies for postpartum depression.

1. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavior therapy enables you to understand the thought processes underlying the current situation while attempting to change the associated negative behaviors. For example, CBT addresses parental self-doubt (such as ‘am I a good parent’), helplessness, and irritability. Furthermore, this therapy facilitates a change in the core beliefs surrounding the pregnancy and baby, increasing the mother-child bonding (11) (17).

2. Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

Interpersonal therapy aims to resolve interpersonal risk factors contributing to existing depressive symptoms. This form of treatment is a branch of family therapy that attempts to equip your family, peers, or other caregivers with the tools to assist you through postpartum depression. In addition, you are also prompted to participate and engage with family members and your baby (11). These interventions can help to improve family dynamics and enhance your overall well-being.

3. Self-care counseling

Self-care counseling aims at equipping you with the skills necessary to handle stress, get adequate rest and nutrition, exercise, and practice mindfulnessⁱA practiced state involving acute attention to present surroundings, emotions, and thought processes while caring for your baby. In addition, this therapy aims to increase your ability to recover from crying spells and worries, enhancing your emotional stability (13).

Research finds

Studies indicate that about eighty percent of women experience maternity blues, among whom about ten percent experience an increasing intensity of depressive symptoms beyond the two weeks (1).

4. Antidepressant medications

Most forms of depression require antidepressants for symptom management, especially in cases with increasing severity.

A selective dosage of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) is prescribed to breastfeeding mothers as they indicate negligible side effects upon intake. A few of the common safe-to-use drugs include sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), and citalopram (Celexa).

In addition, therapists prefer tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor), as a secondary alternative. However, they may cause side effects in the mother with rare traces in the breast milk (2) (17).

What If Postpartum Depression Remains Untreated?

Untreated postpartum depression may have a long-lasting impact on the mother’s life, leaving her exhausted, discontent, withdrawn, and indecisive.

It is also likely to cause low self-esteem and affect the mother’s ability to care for the child and herself, affecting the baby’s growth and development. In addition, the mother may also become more susceptible to substance use and intrusive thinking, which can lead to behaviors that may put self and others at risk (11) (17) (19).

Can Postpartum Depression Be Prevented?

There are a few measures that studies have proved as successful mitigators of high-intensity postpartum depression. A few ways for prevention, as suggested by these articles, include:

• PPD awareness

Educating parents about postpartum depression during pregnancy and after delivery paves the way for them to understand the condition in detail. In addition, it helps in early diagnosis and treatment (20).

• Social support

Social support could play a vital role in uplifting the mood and eliminating the symptoms through shared responsibility (20).

• Perinatal diet

Image: Shutterstock

You may refer to the diet chart for pregnant women and include higher quantities of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in your diet to reduce the risk of postnatal depression (21).

Infographic: How To Help Someone With Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression can occur in any new parent. If you have noticed signs of depression in one of your loved ones and wish to help them, this infographic will help you with a few tips.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Postpartum Depression: Causes Symptoms Risks And Treatment

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Are you feeling emotional, overwhelmed, anxious, and exhausted even after three weeks of delivery? These may be signs of postpartum depression. Learn more in this video and when to call a doctor.

Was this article helpful?

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Holly SchiffPsy.D.

Dr. Holly Schiff is an experienced clinical psychologist with around nine years of experience in the field. She did her Doctorate of Psychology in School and Community Psychology from Hofstra University and graduated from Fordham University.

Read full bio of Dr. Holly Schiff

Apoorva KMSc (Counseling Psychology)

Apoorva is a certified psychological counselor and NLP practitioner. The assistant professor-turned-writer believes that her experience as a teacher, psychologist, and researcher enables her to guide MomJunction readers on child development and mental health.

Read full bio of Apoorva K

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction.

Read full bio of Reshmi Das