Can postpartum depression be inherited?

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on September 02, 2024

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Postpartum depression is not inherited by children. It is mainly due to anxiety, tension, irritability, and other negative emotions that appear after childbirth. The occurrence of postpartum depression is mainly caused by both physiological and psychological influences after childbirth. This impact is due to the emotional changes in the mother and is generally not inherited by children, as the mother's body is healthy and her emotions are good during pregnancy. Therefore, this emotional behavior is generally not inherited.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

37sec

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Can you go to work with postpartum depression?

When postpartum depression occurs, the individual is unable to resume normal work and life. If the condition is mild, it requires a period of adjustment and treatment before returning to normal life and work. If the condition is severe, the treatment period will be longer, possibly three to five years. Moreover, postpartum depression is prone to recurrence, and in severe cases, there may be suicidal tendencies. Symptoms often include excessive mental tension, insomnia, and low spirits, necessitating significant support from family members.

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Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

50sec

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What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

The primary clinical manifestation of postpartum depression is depression, which typically develops within two weeks after childbirth. The symptoms are most pronounced between four to six weeks postpartum. Affected women may display suppressed moods, apathy, reluctance to interact with others, and even estrangement from their husbands. Some may show a lack of confidence in life and family, decreased initiative, and express weariness of life. Additionally, they might have poor concentration, significantly reduced appetite and libido, and some individuals may also experience headaches and dizziness, among other symptoms.

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Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

41sec

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Symptoms of postpartum depression

The clinical manifestations of postpartum depression include patients feeling depressed, indifferent, and despondent about two weeks after giving birth. Additionally, patients may be reluctant to communicate with others, and might even avoid speaking to their spouses. Some mothers may also display a lack of confidence in life and family, decreased initiative, fatigue with life, slower reactions to things than usual, and reduced concentration. There is also a notable decrease in appetite, eating very little, and possibly experiencing symptoms like dizziness and headaches.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

43sec

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Can postpartum depression recur?

Postpartum depression has a certain recurrence rate and typically manifests within six weeks after childbirth. It can resolve within six months postpartum, but severe cases may persist for one to two years. The causes of postpartum depression are complex, primarily occurring in women who have had previous mental health disorders. The condition can be exacerbated by physical discomfort, excessive fatigue, and sleep disturbances following childbirth. Depression is an emotional issue; generally, if women receive careful support from family members after delivery, the occurrence of postpartum depression can be reduced.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

45sec

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Can postpartum depression breastfeed?

Postpartum depression generally does not affect the quality of breast milk. Whether a mother with postpartum depression can continue breastfeeding should be comprehensively judged based on the physical condition of the patient. If the depression is relatively mild, then breastfeeding is completely possible. However, if the symptoms of the mother's depression are severe and she is unable to care for the baby herself, then breastfeeding should not continue, and active treatment should be pursued. The decision to resume breastfeeding should be based on the physical condition of the mother. To prevent postpartum depression, it is essential that family members or husbands provide sufficient care and love.