Postpartum Depression Risk Factors
Are you at risk for getting postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression has several possible risk factors that expectant mothers should be aware of during pregnancy. Find out if you are at risk for postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression or PPD (also referred to as Postpartum Mood Disorders) is in many ways, still a mystery illness. Even though mild and temporary baby blues occurs to the majority (as much as 80%) of new mothers, we do not know very much about it. And very few mothers think much about postpartum depression during pregnancy, since they are more likely to be planning for birth or thinking about the baby.
How do you know during pregnancy if you are at risk for developing postpartum mood disorders? Here are some known risk factors of postpartum depression to be aware of:
Depression symptoms during your pregnancy - Some women might develop depression for the first time in the prenatal period.
Previous depression before pregnancy - You might have experienced depression as a teenager or young adult prior to becoming pregnant.
Lack of social support - One example of this would be if you have moved from your family recently. Or you might not have a group of supportive friends or family in place ready to help in the postpartum period.
Marital dissatisfaction - Perhaps a spouse is not planning to take an active role or there has been difficulty in your marriage recently where you are feeling a lack of support.
Unwanted pregnancy - Is this pregnancy a surprise and not at all want you planned at this time of your life?
History of sexual abuse - This is a difficult circumstance to overcome and much like other trauma can re-visit mothers not only during birth but also in the postpartum period often increasing the mother's chance of postpartum depression.
Traumatic birth experience - In some cases, mothers feel that not only was the birth a disappointment, but the memory of it created trauma.
High expectations of birth/parenting - Are you trying too hard to be super Mom or do everything perfectly? This can more likely lead to postpartum depression.
Physical problems with baby - Many times there is a long period of grief and depression if there are either short or long term health issues with the baby.
Problems getting along with health care providers - It is not uncommon for mothers to feel depression if they are not communicating well or feeling a sense of betrayal as a result of working with health care providers.
Age of mother is 16 years or younger - PPD is more common in teenagers.
Having a baby of undesired sex - This is especially true in other cultures where the gender of the baby has a much greater importance.
Do any of these risk factors match your situation? The more risk factors you have, the more important it is to research the various symptoms of postpartum mood disorders as well as possible options for treatment.
The complete 5 page series is listed below for your convenience.
Part 1 - Risk Factors of PPD (above)
Part 2 - Symptoms of PPD
Part 3 - PPD Self Test (Edinburgh Scale)
Part 4 - Causes of PPD
Part 5 - Help for PPD
Was postpartum depression something you were aware of during your pregnancy? Share your thoughts with us on the forum.
