Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression occurs at a delicate moment, just after childbirth.

After nine months of exciting waiting, your baby is born. After childbirth there are important hormonal changes that can cause emotional disorders and go from euphoria to sadness.

If attention is not paid to emotional changes that can appear after childbirth, we run the risk of a mild depression or postpartum depression if it persists

During the first week of the little one's life, it is common for a mother to feel somewhat discouraged, insecure, tired and even tearful.

This emotional state is known as Maternity Blues.

On Institute of obstetrics and gynecology in Barcelona of Dr. Gómez Roig Psychological support is given to women who request it.

Psychology is contemplated within our  medical services.

We take care of your physical and emotional health.

Is it normal to be sad after childbirth?

It is normal to feel sad after giving birth. During the first days of the birth of your baby, it is common for one in two mothers to feel somewhat sad and want to cry.

This emotional state is known as Maternity Blues and can last from a few hours to 4-5 days.

This state usually soon disappears.

Postpartum hormonal change that occurs with the termination of pregnancy.

The situation of demand and the novelty that the birth of a child implies, favor this situation.

If this emotional state persists as the days go by, it is better to consult a specialist or professional who can help you.

What is postpartum depression? 

Postpartum depression is the situation in which the mood of sadness worsens with the passing of the days.

In addition, the state of depression is the deepest character of the affectation.

This depression is a reality that one in ten women suffer after childbirth.

It is necessary to emphasize that we are talking about a state of relevant consideration. Since the disease can persist for months or even years if not treated properly.

Symptoms such as guilt, anxiety, loss of concentration, or negative feelings towards the baby may be indicating the presence of this entity.

Sometimes the belief on the mother's part is that she should be very happy. And that she has no right to feel somewhat overwhelmed or surpassed, causes them not to explain their severe depressive state.

Postpartum depression can cause sadness, melancholy, hopelessness or moodiness most of the day.

Another common symptom is to stop enjoying things that used to be pleasurable.

Sometimes out of shame, and even fear of what their partners, family or friends will think, women find it difficult to communicate their emotional state.

What factors can favor it? 

The factors that favor postpartum depression are not clearly defined.

There are associated characteristics, but that we cannot necessarily relate to states of sadness or depression.

Despite this, upon suspicion of the diagnosis of this emotional state, you should ask about:

• History of premenstrual mood swings.
• Association of mood swings with taking contraceptives.
• Depressive syndromes prior to pregnancy.
• Depressive symptoms before childbirth.
• Stress related to child care.
• Psychosocial deterioration.
• Family history of depression.

In the absence of predisposing factors it is also possible to have this pathology, so in case of doubt it is always better to consult.

How can I know if I have depression? 

The how can i know if i have depression is not always easy.

The difficulty in the diagnosis is due to the fact that some of the symptoms can also appear due to the stress of caring for the baby.

Little sleep, being tired, and a lack of sexual appetite are characteristics of the puerperium, and not for that reason they are associated with a low mood.