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

48sec

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Which department should I go to for postpartum depression?

In cases of postpartum depression, it is advisable for family members to accompany the new mother to the hospital to see a psychologist. Postpartum depression is a mental and psychological disorder that occurs in women after childbirth, mainly related to changes in hormone levels in the body after childbirth. Additionally, it is related to increased mental stress, emotional changes, and the level of family attention after childbirth. When postpartum depression occurs, the emotions of the affected women generally tend to be quite low. They may also lose confidence in life and, in severe cases, may feel despair towards life and even exhibit suicidal tendencies. Therefore, it is crucial for family members to offer more care and affection.

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Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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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

41sec

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Is the incidence of postpartum depression high?

The incidence of postpartum depression is around 15%-30%, and it is a common psychiatric disorder among women after childbirth. This condition arises due to the change in social roles for women postpartum, as well as changes in hormones, psychological stress, emotional levels, and attention from family members, bringing a series of physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Typically, postpartum depression occurs within six weeks of childbirth and can last throughout the entire postpartum period, with some cases lasting even longer, up until the child starts school.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

39sec

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What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

Women often experience emotional changes after childbirth, which may be related to mental tension, stress, and physical fatigue postpartum. Clinically, this is mainly manifested as a decline in psychological function or impairment in social functions, presenting as negative emotional states with prolonged duration. Symptoms primarily include feeling low, frequent crying, insomnia, loss of appetite, depression, and intense guilt and feelings of inferiority towards the baby. These are all symptoms of postpartum depression.

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Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

46sec

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Can postpartum depression have a second child?

Postpartum depression does not preclude having a second child, as most patients generally recover within a year after childbirth. However, there is a 50% chance of recurrence if one decides to have another child. Therefore, for such pregnant women, certain preparations should be made during pregnancy, such as educating them about childbirth and pregnancy knowledge. Once equipped with this knowledge, the expectant mothers can better manage their self-care. Additionally, during childbirth, it is essential to provide the patient with ample love and patience, especially for those who experience longer labor and greater psychological stress, requiring patient explanations of the childbirth process.