Depression to Happiness

We’ve all heard of postpartum depression but sometimes a mother can have a case of the ‘blues’ during pregnancy. Depression is a common problem during and after pregnancy.

It is even possible to have depression and not even know it. There are normal changes that occur in the body during and after pregnancy that cause symptoms similar to those of depression. There are symptoms involved such as being restless or moody, feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed, crying a lot, having no energy or motivation, eating too little or too much, sleeping too little or too much, having trouble focusing or making decisions, memory problems, or feeling guilty and worthless. These symptoms are some-what normal but if any of these symptoms persist more than 2 weeks, it is time to consult the doctor.

Depression after childbirth is called postpartum depression. Hormonal changes may trigger symptoms of this type of depression. During pregnancy estrogen levels and progesterone increase tremendously. Within 24 hours of giving birth hormone levels return to normal. This very sudden very quick jump in hormone levels is much like the changes that affect a woman’s mood before her period, but on a much larger scale.

Levels of thyroid hormones can also drop after childbirth. Symptoms of depression can be caused, or onset, by these low levels of thyroid hormone. Your doctor can provide a simple blood test to tell if this condition is being caused by this.

Other factors that may be involved in the postpartum depression include being tired after delivery, the lack of sleep or broken sleep pattern, the overwhelming schedule of a new baby, doubts of being a good mother, stress from the changes in work and home routines, unrealistic demands on yourself, a feeling of loss of who you were before the baby, feelings of being less attractive, and a lack of free time.

Some women are more at risk than others, and new mothers are more likely to feel the sting of depression over women who are having their second or third child. Women who are depressed during pregnancy are more likely to be depressed following the childbirth. There is such a thing as postpartum psychosis. It is rare but occurs in 1-4 out of every 1,000 births. This is generally related to women who have a history of bipolar disorder or other psychotic illness.

With normal baby blues the symptoms usually subside after 2 weeks and you return to normal. Just get as much rest as you can. Don’t push yourself or try to be perfect. Ask for help. And discuss your feelings. This a normal occurrence and it will subside shortly. Just enjoy your new family and remember to take time for yourself.