Have you ever wondered how come a happy event such as giving birth to a baby can end up making you sad, and depressed?
Postpartum blues are mild depressive symptoms, which are usually self-limited but if not addressed in time or ignored can be a risk factor for major depression. They develop in 40 % of women within the first week of delivery.
Risk factors include not breastfeeding, stress around child care, family h/o depression,h/o premenstrual mood changes,h/o antepartum depressive symptoms, and cesarean section.
Postnatal hormonal changes such as a decrease in estrogen levels and a decrease in serotonergic activity leading to abnormal neurotransmitter levels or activity may be one of the factors causing it.
Symptoms
- Mild depressive symptoms such as sadness, crying, irritability, insomnia, exhaustion as well as mood lability. Symptoms usually develop within 2-3 days of delivery and resolve within 2 weeks of onset.
- The postpartum blues can increase the risk of subsequent postpartum anxiety disorders by a factor of four. It is usually managed conservatively with Watchful Waiting and reassurance and support for the woman and her family. It is essential to give the woman adequate time to sleep and rest. To manage insomnia someone can be recruited to take care of the baby at night. If symptoms worsen or persist beyond 2 weeks or if there is a suicidal tendency then the patient needs to be evaluated for postpartum depression and antidepressant medication or psychotherapy may be indicated.
