What are common post partum issues of a newly delivered mother?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that happen in some women after giving birth. According to the DSM-5, a manual used to diagnose mental disorders, PPD is a form of major depression that begins within 4 weeks after delivery. The diagnosis of postpartum depression is
based not only on the length of time between delivery and onset but on the severity of the depression. Postpartum depression is linked to chemical, social, and psychological changes that happen when having a baby.
The term describes a range of physical and emotional changes that many new mothers experience. PPD can be treated with medication and counseling. The chemical changes involve a rapid drop in hormones after delivery. The actual link between this drop and depression is still not clear. But what is known is that the levels of estrogen and progesterone, the female reproductive hormones, increase tenfold during pregnancy. Then, they drop sharply after delivery. By 3 days after a woman gives birth, the levels of these hormones drop back to what they were before pregnancy. In addition to these chemical changes, the social and psychological changes of having a baby create an increased risk of depression. Most new mothers experience the "baby blues" after delivery. About 1 out of every 10 of these women will develop a more severe and longer-lasting depression after delivery. About 1 in 1,000 women develop a more serious condition called postpartum psychosis. Dads aren’t immune. Research shows that about 1 in 10 new fathers get depression during the year their child is born. Symptoms of postpartum depression can be hard to detect. Many women have these symptoms following childbirth: With PPD, these come along with other symptoms of major depression, which aren’t typical after childbirth, and may
include: Symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) that are new rarely occur in the postpartum period (about 1%-3% of women). The obsessions are usually related to concerns about the baby's health or irrational fears of harming the baby. Panic disorder may also happen. You can have these conditions and depression at the same time. Untreated postpartum depression can be dangerous for new moms and their children. A new mom should seek professional help when: If you have PPD, it’s not because you did anything wrong. Experts think it happens for many reasons, and those can be different for different people. Some things that can
raise the chances of postpartum depression include:
There’s no one cause of postpartum depression, but these physical and emotional issues may contribute:
Types of Postpartum DepressionThere are three terms used to describe the mood changes women can have after giving birth:
Postpartum depression is treated differently, depending on the type of symptoms and how severe they are. Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, psychotherapy,
and participation in a support group for emotional support and education. For severe cases, an IV of a new medication called brexanolone (Zulresso) may be prescribed. In the case of postpartum psychosis, drugs used to treat psychosis are usually added. Hospital admission is also often necessary. If you are breastfeeding, don't assume that you can't take medication for depression, anxiety, or even psychosis. Talk to your doctor. Under a doctor's supervision, many women take medication while breastfeeding. This is a decision to be made between you and your doctor. Postpartum Depression ComplicationsPostpartum depression that isn’t treated can weaken your ability to bond with your baby, and affect the whole family:
Postpartum Depression PreventionIf you have a history of depression, tell your doctor as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, or if you’re planning to become pregnant.
Managing after childbirth Here are some tips that can help you cope with bringing home a newborn:
What are 3 common events that occur after delivery?7 Common Postpartum Conditions New Mothers Should Know About. Vaginal Discharge. For several weeks after delivery, you will likely have vaginal discharge known as lochia. ... . Uterine Shrinkage. ... . Perineum Pain. ... . Blood Glucose Swings. ... . Urinary Incontinence. ... . Postpartum Thyroiditis. ... . Libido and Sexuality.. What is the most common postpartum complication in the immediate postpartum period?Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage).
While bleeding for about 2-6 weeks is normal after giving birth, it should begin to slow. Some women experience excessive bleeding, usually in the 1-2 weeks following delivery, which may be caused by a retained placenta, infection or other issues.
How common are postpartum complications?Numerous disorders and complications may occur in the immediate postpartum period or after discharge from the birth facility. Approximately 0.3 to 0.4 percent of patients experience de novo severe maternal morbidity (SMM) after discharge, and this accounts for approximately 15 percent of SMM [1].
What are 5 things that are checked in the new mother during a postnatal check?What happens at a postpartum checkup?. Your provider checks your blood pressure, weight, breasts and belly. ... . You get a pelvic exam. ... . Your provider checks on any health conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, you had during pregnancy.. |