Postpartum depression occurs when?

Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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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.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of postpartum depression

The clinical manifestations of postpartum depression include patients feeling depressed, indifferent, and despondent about two weeks after giving birth. Additionally, patients may be reluctant to communicate with others, and might even avoid speaking to their spouses. Some mothers may also display a lack of confidence in life and family, decreased initiative, fatigue with life, slower reactions to things than usual, and reduced concentration. There is also a notable decrease in appetite, eating very little, and possibly experiencing symptoms like dizziness and headaches.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

The primary clinical manifestation of postpartum depression is depression, which typically develops within two weeks after childbirth. The symptoms are most pronounced between four to six weeks postpartum. Affected women may display suppressed moods, apathy, reluctance to interact with others, and even estrangement from their husbands. Some may show a lack of confidence in life and family, decreased initiative, and express weariness of life. Additionally, they might have poor concentration, significantly reduced appetite and libido, and some individuals may also experience headaches and dizziness, among other symptoms.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does postpartum depression require hospitalization?

Postpartum depression generally does not require hospital treatment. Family members should provide more care and communicate more with the mother. It is important to offer timely advice, encouragement, and sympathy to provide psychological comfort, which can help eliminate some negative emotions. Additionally, listening to soothing music can also be beneficial. Besides these, attention should be paid to adjusting the dietary structure. It is advisable to consume light, easily digestible foods and maintain balanced nutrition. Spicy and stimulating foods should be avoided as they can worsen the symptoms and negatively affect the treatment.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is the incidence of postpartum depression high?

The incidence of postpartum depression is around 15%-30%, and it is a common psychiatric disorder among women after childbirth. This condition arises due to the change in social roles for women postpartum, as well as changes in hormones, psychological stress, emotional levels, and attention from family members, bringing a series of physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Typically, postpartum depression occurs within six weeks of childbirth and can last throughout the entire postpartum period, with some cases lasting even longer, up until the child starts school.