Does postpartum depression require hospitalization?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on October 31, 2024
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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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can postpartum depression be inherited?

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.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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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.

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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 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.