POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
It is the state of sadness, fatigue or extreme anxiety that a woman may experience during and after her pregnancy, it is important to recognize that there are changes, not only physical, but also emotional and psychological that must be taken into account and that, when knowing them , will allow us to recognize this disorder early and avoid major complications.
General considerations
Depression currently affects 1 in 10 Americans, and its prevalence is highest in women, African Americans, and Hispanics at approximately 56% of pregnant women.
There is also an association between thyroid dysfunctions, hormonal changes, early hospital discharge, premature delivery, artificial feeding of the baby, ongoing grieving processes, age, ethnicity, religion and parity of the mother, living in remote or rural places, difficulties in adapting to motherhood, history of childhood sexual abuse, tobacco, alcohol or drug use.
We must differentiate depression from postpartum sadness, where the levels of discouragement and exhaustion are mild and do not last more than the first two weeks of delivery, and also from psychosis (which is a true emergency) characterized by delusions (beliefs or thoughts that are not true), hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not there), mania (a high and euphoric mood in which people often seem not to be in touch with reality), paranoia and confusion, They may also be at risk of harming themselves or their children.
If you require any other information or guidance, please contact us.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.asmi.es/arc/doc/Cambios+Fisiologicos+y+Emocionales+durante+el+Emnarazo.pdf
http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0138-600X2012000400016
https://www.sskip.org/article/rpsp/2018.v42/e97/es/
Emotional changes during pregnancy
- Pregnancy is full of surprises and changes influenced by hormones and the responses we are able to give to them. Our perception and that of the environment that surrounds us, will make it easier or not for us to adapt to them.
- The woman becomes more transparent regarding her feelings and emotions. Memories return, conflicts become more felt and fears sprout to the surface.
- You are now a mother. A new person is emerging in you. Not! It's not him baby on the way, it's mom.
- Feelings for our mother (future grandmother) arise or reappear and the feelings we experience as daughters begin to surface. Good or bad, they will be present at this stage and help us to forge the mother who is in development. In addition, it will serve to smooth rough edges and heal the relationships between the two. Grandma, the new mom needs you.
- We can experience "REGRESSION". Having the need for care from those closest to you. Maternal care for the mother in training by a partner, mother, grandmother, aunt. In short, it becomes dependent on them.
- The current couple tends to get into conflict more easily, there is susceptibility on both parties while the nesting process takes place, or the opening of a place for the new family member, the presence and consideration of the people who are imperative is imperative. surround to facilitate this transition.
General considerations
Depression currently affects 1 in 10 Americans, and its prevalence is highest in women, African Americans, and Hispanics at approximately 56% of pregnant women.
Risk factors
- Low self-esteem
- Previous depression and postpartum depression
- Difficult marital relationships.
- Insufficient support networks.
- Anxious, depressive and stress pictures during pregnancy.
- The civil state.
- Family history of mental problems.
- Genetic vulnerability of the mother.
- Severe postpartum sadness.
- Personality characteristics and cognitive styles tending to negativity.
- The experience of childbirth and obstetric complications.
- Depression in your partner
- Health characteristics and temperament of newborns.
There is also an association between thyroid dysfunctions, hormonal changes, early hospital discharge, premature delivery, artificial feeding of the baby, ongoing grieving processes, age, ethnicity, religion and parity of the mother, living in remote or rural places, difficulties in adapting to motherhood, history of childhood sexual abuse, tobacco, alcohol or drug use.
How do I know if I am depressed?
It is associated with extreme sadness, accompanied by physical and mental exhaustion, slow thinking, difficulty in solving frequent situations, sleep and appetite disorders, loss of interest in one's own well-being, apathy towards pregnancy, somatization-anxiety or stress related to pregnancy, body aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems without a clear physical cause or that are not alleviated even with treatment, problems creating an emotional bond with the new baby, constant doubts about your ability to caring for the baby, thoughts about death, suicide, or hurting yourself or the baby.We must differentiate depression from postpartum sadness, where the levels of discouragement and exhaustion are mild and do not last more than the first two weeks of delivery, and also from psychosis (which is a true emergency) characterized by delusions (beliefs or thoughts that are not true), hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not there), mania (a high and euphoric mood in which people often seem not to be in touch with reality), paranoia and confusion, They may also be at risk of harming themselves or their children.
Treatment
It is important to seek professional medical help (psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, counselor) to support you and indicate the necessary therapies.If you require any other information or guidance, please contact us.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.asmi.es/arc/doc/Cambios+Fisiologicos+y+Emocionales+durante+el+Emnarazo.pdf
http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0138-600X2012000400016
https://www.sskip.org/article/rpsp/2018.v42/e97/es/