What causes postpartum depression?

Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 03, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
54sec home-news-image

Postpartum depression should seek what clinic?

Postpartum depression is relatively common in clinical practice and can severely harm women's health. If not intervened in time, it can lead to serious pathological changes in the mother, and in severe cases, lead to grave consequences. Mothers suspected of having postpartum depression should seek medical attention promptly, with the most common department being the psychiatric outpatient clinic. Although postpartum depression is related to childbirth, general obstetric outpatient clinics are not particularly specialized in treating depression. Consultations with specialized psychiatric or psychological doctors should be sought to determine the presence of postpartum depression. If confirmed, psychological counseling should be provided, along with pharmacological treatment. Without examination and treatment, there might be incidences of self-harm in pregnant women.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
46sec home-news-image

Postpartum depression occurs when?

Postpartum depression typically develops within two weeks after childbirth, and its symptoms are most pronounced between 4 to 6 weeks postpartum. During this period, the new mother may exhibit a very depressed mood, feel quite despondent, and appear emotionally detached. She may be unwilling to communicate with others, and may even experience estrangement from her own husband. Some affected women may also show a lack of confidence in life and family matters, decreased initiative, express a weariness of life, show slow reactions in daily activities, and have difficulty concentrating. Additionally, there is a noticeable decrease in both appetite and sexual desire.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
43sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
34sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
50sec home-news-image

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.