Pregnancy

Here are some frequently asked questions related to depression after pregnancy. Q: Instead of feeling happy after my baby was born, I cried constantly and felt terribly anxious. What’s normal and what’s not? A: Normal reactions include irritability, anger, crying, exhaustion, tension, restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia, all of which appear about three days after birth and […]

Depression after pregnancy refers to the negative thinking and feelings of despondency that many women experience after the birth of a child. In addition to the sad, lifeless feelings that accompany any depression, women who suffer from depression after pregnancy often fear that their baby will somehow be harmed and may worry that they are

Here are definitions of medical terms related to depression after pregnancy. Antepartum: Before birth. Bipolar depression (Bipolar disorder): A mood disorder characterized by the alternation of manic and depressive states. Cortisol: A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. High levels of cortisol have been associated with stress. Delusion: A false belief. Dysthymia: A mild but long lasting form of depression.

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on depression after pregnancy. Organizations: Depression After Delivery (D.A.D.)  Phone: (800) 944-4773 http://www.depressionafterdelivery.com/ An organization dedicated to universal awareness of mood and anxiety disorders surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. Resources, support, and more for new mothers and professionals. Postpartum Stress Center  Phone: (610) 526-7527 http://www.postpartumstress.com A

There is no single cause for the emotional difficulties many women experience after giving birth. However, experts suspect that rapid postpartum changes in levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone may have a powerful effect on women’s postpartum mental health. Progesterone and estrogen are secreted by the ovaries and placenta, allowing the uterus to

A woman’s risk for depression after pregnancy cannot be accurately predicted based on her hormone levels. But some women may be at higher risk for postpartum depression. These include women who: Have had a previous postpartum episode. Women who have experienced postpartum depression after the birth of a child may have a greater chance of

It can be difficult to determine when to seek professional help, especially if a woman is only experiencing a mild case of the blues. But it is important to know the difference between a case of the baby blues that will resolve itself and ongoing postpartum depression. Through treatment, many women have rediscovered the joy