What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can postpartum depression be inherited?

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
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Can postpartum depression be cured?

Postpartum depression is curable. It is fundamentally a manifestation of reduced volitional activity, and most patients can be cured after a period of time. However, in everyday life, family support is needed, especially the psychological support from family members and husbands, which is very important. Postpartum depression is generally a self-limiting disease, but there are certain conditions for recovery. Patients with milder symptoms and shorter durations of illness generally have a better prognosis. Typically, it occurs within one month after childbirth, with symptoms becoming prominent within six months, and gradually diminishing after three to six months. However, one should not rely solely on self-healing and should actively seek treatment from professional medical practitioners.

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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
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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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What causes postpartum depression?

The causes of postpartum depression are still unclear, but the following people are prone to develop postpartum depression. Those who have had multiple children or have gone through numerous pregnancies before conceiving, as well as those with a poor reproductive history and teenage mothers, and mothers who had premature births. Additionally, individuals with pregnancy complications, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension or gestational diabetes, are also likely to develop postpartum depression. Moreover, family relationships play a significant role; those in discordant family relations or where the newborn's gender does not meet their expectations are also susceptible.