{"id":1164,"date":"2021-08-30T11:28:23","date_gmt":"2021-08-30T11:28:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/?p=1164"},"modified":"2023-04-25T09:10:49","modified_gmt":"2023-04-25T09:10:49","slug":"symptoms-of-postpartum-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/symptoms-of-postpartum-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"Symptoms of Postpartum Depression"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many women will tell you that their experience of childbirth was a breeze of fresh air and that the following days with their new baby were delightful, despite the challenges they were facing. Although that may be true, many will be silent about an important topic that happens to many, <\/span><b>postpartum depression<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">And no, it\u2019s not the same as baby blues that happens to almost every woman. It\u2019s always normal to feel tired and confused few days after giving childbirth. However, it is not customary to feel depressed, desperate, and even have suicidal thoughts.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Those could be signs of postnatal depression, a severe condition that you should not ignore. We at Trogolo Obstetrics and Gynecology are here to demystify this condition that happens to many women after giving birth and help you recognize the symptoms so you can seek treatment as soon as possible.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is Postpartum Depression?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">PPD happens to around 15% of first-time mothers and those who have given birth before. Unlike the \u201cbaby blues,\u201d it doesn\u2019t fade off after a week or two, and the symptoms are much more severe.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is a dysfunction that can cause notable mood swings, a sense of hopelessness, and constant tiredness. Many mothers with infants struggle to take care of themselves and perform regular daily tasks with symptoms like that.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is highly advised to seek treatment with the first signs of a condition like this because good treatment can help you easily overcome it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<h2><b><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1166 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/The-Symptoms-of-Postpartum-Depression-.jpg\" alt=\"Sad and Tired Woman With Ppd Working Beside Table, Looking on Laptop, Sitting in Messy Room\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/The-Symptoms-of-Postpartum-Depression--200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/The-Symptoms-of-Postpartum-Depression--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/The-Symptoms-of-Postpartum-Depression--400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/The-Symptoms-of-Postpartum-Depression--600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/The-Symptoms-of-Postpartum-Depression--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/The-Symptoms-of-Postpartum-Depression--800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/The-Symptoms-of-Postpartum-Depression-.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s common for women who have given birth to feel a little bit dissociated from the world, moody, and after all, tired. Having an infant in your life isn\u2019t easy, and the tasks that come with this new experience are challenging.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">But postnatal depression isn\u2019t na\u00efve, as well as everything that comes with it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The manifestations of this condition span from mild to severe and depend from person to person. And even day-to-day.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The following could be indicators of postpartum depression:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The feeling of tiredness but lack of sleep\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The constant sadness and an urge to cry for no apparent reason\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sleeping too much\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Overeating, or eating too little, and losing interest in food\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unexplained physical pain\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anxiety, anger, and irritability\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Constant mood swings\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Problems with memory and concentration\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lack of interest in things that sparked joy in the past\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The feeling of being out of control\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Feeling disconnected from the baby\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Feeling like a bad mother\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Feeling of worthlessness\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Feeling of guilt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An urge to run away from everything\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Intrusive suicidal thoughts\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Intrusive thoughts about hurting the baby\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can experience one or two symptoms or many combined. They can start in the following weeks after giving birth, but there are cases of signs like this that have happened months later. Signs can last for just a few days and return after some time, or they can be constant. If it\u2019s not treated, the condition can worsen, and the symptoms can intensify.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Causes of Postpartum Depression\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There isn\u2019t one exact cause that leads to this condition. However, some factors are considered as significant contributors to it. A trigger for postpartum symptoms is often a combination of many physical and emotional changes.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physical changes that can lead to PPD are:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hormonal change\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sleep deprivation\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Poor diet\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Drug and alcohol abuse\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Other medical conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Emotional factors that can lead to PPD are:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lack of support\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Financial problems\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recent divorce or a breakup\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Health problems (yours or your child\u2019s)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The recent death of a close one\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>The Risk Factors for PPD\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s often mistaken that only first-time mothers can develop postpartum depression signs. The reality is that any woman can face them regardless of how many children she has, her age, or ethnicity.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Still, some things might just increase the risk:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Family history of depression\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A previous case of depression or other mood disorders\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Severe health problems\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unwanted pregnancy\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Recent stress\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Having twins, triplets, or other multiples\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Giving birth prematurely\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Insomnia and sleep deprivation\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you identify yourself with some of these risk factors, you should pay attention to the symptoms. If you notice some of them, you should talk to your doctor before symptoms worsen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Prevention of PPD\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is not possible to completely prevent postnatal depression, but as you\u2019ve learned about common risk factors, you can be proactive and try to reduce the risk.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you are planning a pregnancy, you should consult with your doctor if you\u2019ve had these experiences:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Previous postpartum depression\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A previous case of mood disorder or depression\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You are currently experiencing signs of depression\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The same goes if you experience these things during your pregnancy. By being proactive, you are doing everything in your power to prevent any significant mood crisis after giving birth.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Even if it\u2019s not entirely possible to avoid the occurrence of PPD, you may be able to reduce the chances of developing it by:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Making a good plan with your OB-GYN\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Getting your support system settled before the due date\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maintaining a good and healthy diet\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maintaining your physical and mental health\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Allowing others to help you\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Allowing yourself to get some rest and enjoy things you love\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Getting enough sleep\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How Is PPD Treated?\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A condition like this needs to be treated under a doctor\u2019s supervision, and you should never decide on a treatment on your own.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As soon as you notice postpartum depression signs, you should notify your doctor to get started with the treatment as soon as possible.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The treatment for PPD often consists of proper medication and therapy. The two treatments can go alone, but it\u2019s always better when they are used together.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When starting the treatment for PPD, you need to equip yourself with patience because postpartum depression signs are not going away in just a few days.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Finally, you will need to change some habits and incorporate new and healthy ones into your life.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Medication\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When it comes to medication in treating postpartum depression signs, it\u2019s usually antidepressants. You should know that it takes up to several weeks of regularly taking the medication before you can see any real change in your overall mood. What it\u2019s vital to know when taking antidepressants is that some are safe to consume while breastfeeding, while others are not. So, it should be imperative to discuss this with your doctor.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">And if you have problems with low levels of estrogen, you may need to try hormone therapy.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Therapy\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can obtain the best results if treatment with medication is combined with therapy. Depending on your conditions and postpartum symptoms, you can choose counseling with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional. With the help of therapy, you can ease the pressure you feel, silence destructive thoughts, and finally make sense of everything currently happening in your life. Also, in therapy, you have an excellent opportunity to work toward a better plan to manage your life situation and every new challenge that comes your way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Changing Habits\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1167 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/Changing-Habits-.jpg\" alt=\"Pretty Young Women Running in the Urban Environment\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/Changing-Habits--200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/Changing-Habits--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/Changing-Habits--400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/Changing-Habits--600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/Changing-Habits--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/Changing-Habits--800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2021\/10\/Changing-Habits-.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Medication and therapy are crucial in soothing a nervous postpartum soul, and so are changing habits. You need to improve your everyday habits and start taking care of yourself. And the first thing you should do is put yourself first.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You should <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mother.ly\/5-foods-to-help-keep-postpartum-depression-at-bay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">change your diet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and opt for some healthier alternatives. Include more fresh produce, vegetables, and fruits in your diet, and cut out refined oils and sugars.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You should steer away from alcohol as it is a depressant, and it can worsen your postpartum symptoms. The same goes for cigarettes and caffeine.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ideally, you should incorporate light exercise in your routine if it\u2019s possible, and if it\u2019s not, you can always do some walks to move your body.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When to Seek Help?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is of utmost importance to seek help as soon as you notice symptoms that resemble PPD. If you\u2019ve identified yourself in some of the symptoms in this article, you should contact your OB-GYN, especially if your symptoms are physical.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can always address this problem with your doctor and ask for help or a referral for a good therapist. You can also ask for a suggestion for a local support group because it\u2019s always easier to talk to someone that\u2019s going through the same situation and is experiencing the same symptoms.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/\">Trogolo Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/a> understand how hard it can be to adapt to a new situation in life, like living with a new baby. It\u2019s usual to feel slightly out of place, considering your whole life has changed, and your living habits are not the same. But if you are feeling extremely low and experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, feel free to call us; we are here for you. With early discovered symptoms and treatment, you can recover faster, and we are here to help you accomplish that.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many women will tell you that their experience of childbirth was a breeze of fresh air and that the following<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1165,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[123],"tags":[124,125,126],"class_list":["post-1164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-postpartum-depression","tag-postpartum-depression","tag-postpartum-depression-signs","tag-postpartum-symptoms"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1164","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1164"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1164\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1165"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1164"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1164"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/trogolo-obstetrics-and-gynecology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1164"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}