|
Post Partum Depression Sometimes after a woman has given birth she will suffer from postpartum depression, or sometimes known as peripartum depression. After childbirth the two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone increases greatly. Within the first twenty four hours after birth these levels drop back down to their non pregnant levels. Some researchers believe that the fast change in the hormone levels may lead to depression. A woman may experience symptoms like crying a lot, feeling tired all of the time, stressed, lack of energy, trouble focusing or concentrating, withdrawal from family or friends, eating too little or too much, sleep disorders (sleeping too much or too little), headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations, or hyperventilation, loss of who you were before you got pregnant, having less free time because of the baby and family and less time for yourself. Once in a while after giving birth, a woman’s thyroid hormones drop and this may cause symptoms of depression like depressed mood, lack of interest in things, irritability, fatigue, weight loss or gain, sleep disorders (lack of or sleeping too much), and having trouble concentrating. The doctor can do a simple blood test to determine if the woman is suffering from depression. If the thyroid is the problem, there is medication for thyroid disorders. There are medications for postpartum depression so if the doctor diagnoses depression they can prescribe the medication that is right for you. There are many medications for depression and since everyone’s physical makeup is different, it may take a trial for a medication or two before the right one is prescribed for you. Keep in close touch with your doctor or councilor so you can get through your depression as soon as possible. It will not happen overnight and it will take patience. Depression can strike while the woman is pregnant too so it is very important that the doctor knows you are pregnant so he can prescribe the safest possible medication for you and your baby. Some women do not talk to anyone about being depressed and that can be harmful on the baby too. Stress is not good on the baby. Some helpful tips you can do to help you cope with depression is, get plenty of rest, nap when the baby naps if you can, do not put pressure on yourself to get everything done, just do what you can, let the rest go for now. Ask for help with chores, feedings, housework, laundry, cooking, etc. If you can get someone to come in and help out for a few hours each day. Talk to your family about your feelings, do not spend a lot of time alone. Talk to other mothers because they can relate to your problems, join a support group, and do not make any major life changes while you are pregnant. Major changes can cause a lot of stress in your life. All Text Copyright © Safety2005.org |
|
| Safety2005 - Articles - Contact Us - Disclaimer and Use Policy - NSC - Newsgroups | ||