Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (also known as PPD) is a temporary case of depression related to pregnancy and childbirth.  There are two types of postpartum depression:  early onset (or the "baby blues,") and late onset. Early-onset postpartum depression is mild and affect as many as 80% of women after delivery.  It starts after delivery and usually resolves within a couple of weeks without medical treatment.  Late-onset postpartum depression is more severe, and is generally recognized several weeks after delivery, affecting 10%-20% of women.

The symptoms of postpartum depression can be intense, even frightening, for women who develop the condition.  Those suffering from postpartum depression might feel unable to care for their baby or themselves, and make household chores or working near impossible.  Possible symptoms include:  mood swings, obsessive-compulsive features, anxiety attacks, lethargy or extreme fatigue, obsessive fear of harming the baby, irritability, sadness or uncontrollable crying, feelings of anger towards the baby or family, and feelings of doubt, guilt, hopelessness, helplessness, or restlessness. 

The exact cause of postpartum depression is unknown.  Most doctors blame hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and as primary causes for postpartum depression.  Postpartum depression might also be caused or aggravated by exhaustion from childbirth, stress, or lack of sleep in the early weeks following birth.  Postpartum depression is generally treated with medication and therapy.

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