Information From Your Health Care Provider

POSTPARTUM MOOD DISTURBANCES

(Postpartum Blues, Depression, & Psychosis)

Basic information

description

Mood disturbances following the birth of a baby affect nearly half of all new mothers. The symptoms are most common 3 to 10 days following delivery, but can occur anytime in the first 6 months. Types include:
- Postpartum blues (baby blues), which involves mild symptoms that last a short time.
- Postpartum depression symptoms are sometimes described as baby blues that deepen and last longer.
- Postpartum psychosis is a rare, severe depression.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Symptoms vary for different women.
Mild sadness, crying spells, and mood swings.
Appetite loss and weight loss, or weight gain.
Sleep problems; unable to sleep when baby sleeps, or waking up and having trouble returning to sleep.
Loss of energy; fatigue.
Irritability; anxiety, or feelings of tension or anger.
Slow speech and thought, unable to make decisions.
Frequent headaches, and other physical discomfort.
Confusion about one's ability to improve life.
Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, gloom, or guilt. Fears about personal health and infant's health.
Poor personal hygiene.

causes

Exact cause is unknown. It may involve physical, emotional, social, genetic, and hormone factors.

risk increases with

Personal or family history of depression or bipolar disorder or postpartum depression in previous pregnancy.
Physical and emotional stress, lack of sleep; poor nutrition, problems with the baby's health, or diabetes.
Severe pregnancy complications (e.g., preterm birth).
Lack of support from one's partner, family, or friends.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

There is no specific way to prevent depression. Screening tests may help identify women at risk for it.
If you have had depression before, ask your obstetric provider about ways to help guard against a recurrence.

expected outcomes

It's common for mothers to have some degree of baby blues. It clears up on its own in about 10 days.
For most women, postpartum depression is temporary and treatable. It may last a few weeks to months.

possible complications

Lack of bonding between mother and baby.
Children of depressed mothers are more at risk for developmental problems.
Relationship problems with partner.
Depression may become chronic or recurrent.
Postpartum psychosis. A mother may harm herself or her baby.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms and history to help with diagnosis. A depression-screening test may be given. Blood tests may be done to check for any physical problems.
Treatment may involve counseling (psychotherapy), drugs, self-help, and education. Individual treatment will depend on the type and degree of the symptoms. Rarely, hospital care is needed.
Counseling and/or group therapy may be prescribed.
Don't feel guilty if you have mixed feelings about motherhood. Adjustment and bonding take time.
Schedule frequent outings, such as walks and short visits with friends or family so that you don't feel alone.
Ask for daytime help from family or friends who will shop for you or care for the baby while you rest.
Find time for you and your partner to be alone.
Sharing your feelings with your partner, friends, other mothers, or a support group can help.
To learn more: Postpartum Support International, PO Box 60931, Santa Barbara, CA 93160; (800) 944-4773; website: www.postpartum.net.

medications

Antidepressant drugs may be prescribed. These are effective when used for 3 to 4 weeks. If you are breast-feeding, your health care provider will discuss options.

activity

Try to get some exercise each day. It will help physical and emotional well-being.

diet

Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of a postpartum mood disturbance.
You have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby, hear voices, see things, or feel unable to cope, or if a new mother talks of these feelings. Seek help promptly!