Can postpartum depression be inherited?

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on September 02, 2024

00:00

00:00

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.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

43sec

home-news-image

Can postpartum depression recur?

Postpartum depression has a certain recurrence rate and typically manifests within six weeks after childbirth. It can resolve within six months postpartum, but severe cases may persist for one to two years. The causes of postpartum depression are complex, primarily occurring in women who have had previous mental health disorders. The condition can be exacerbated by physical discomfort, excessive fatigue, and sleep disturbances following childbirth. Depression is an emotional issue; generally, if women receive careful support from family members after delivery, the occurrence of postpartum depression can be reduced.

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.

home-news-image

Written by Yue Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

46sec

home-news-image

Can postpartum depression have a second child?

Postpartum depression does not preclude having a second child, as most patients generally recover within a year after childbirth. However, there is a 50% chance of recurrence if one decides to have another child. Therefore, for such pregnant women, certain preparations should be made during pregnancy, such as educating them about childbirth and pregnancy knowledge. Once equipped with this knowledge, the expectant mothers can better manage their self-care. Additionally, during childbirth, it is essential to provide the patient with ample love and patience, especially for those who experience longer labor and greater psychological stress, requiring patient explanations of the childbirth process.

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.

home-news-image

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

39sec

home-news-image

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

Women often experience emotional changes after childbirth, which may be related to mental tension, stress, and physical fatigue postpartum. Clinically, this is mainly manifested as a decline in psychological function or impairment in social functions, presenting as negative emotional states with prolonged duration. Symptoms primarily include feeling low, frequent crying, insomnia, loss of appetite, depression, and intense guilt and feelings of inferiority towards the baby. These are all symptoms of postpartum depression.