For most women, being pregnant and having a baby is a season of life bringing feelings of joy and excitement; however, for some women, the experience is distressing and difficult, provoking feelings of extreme sadness and indifference. PPD can cause symptoms that mimic major depressive disorder (MDD), accompanied by feelings of worthlessness or guilt, feelings of being a bad mother, lack of interest in baby, not feeling a connection to baby, or being anxious when around baby. Some mothers can experience “baby blues,” which can occur for the first 2 weeks after giving birth due to changes in sleep patterns, causing restlessness, irritability, and anxiety. PPD is much different in that the symptoms are physically and emotionally debilitating and can last well beyond 2 weeks, up to months, after giving birth. PPD is a very serious, yet treatable, condition that can negatively affect mothers and babies and should not be overlooked.
Recent studies suggest that 1 in every 7 women will experience PPD world-wide, yet there is a lack of standardized screening tools available for providers to screen for risk factors during pregnancy. Redetermining risk factors for this condition is beneficial when taking the quality of life of mom and baby into account. The prevalence of 1 in every 7 is based on reported cases only, so there is a chance of a greater population affected by PPD that are not recorded due to women believing that PPD is not serious and is a “normal” part of becoming a mother. There is also an overwhelming stigma attached to PPD among mothers, with the wide-spread belief that if you have PPD, you are a bad mother because you want to harm your baby, or have neglected your baby.
Due to the overwhelming number of women who believe that the symptoms of PPD are a “normal” part of becoming a new mother and do not seek help, it is important that women be screened by their obstetrician during pregnancy. There are several risk factors that have been linked to increased likelihood of developing PPD. Studies suggest that women who have a personal or family history of depression or anxiety are at risk of developing PPD and should be screened and treated during pregnancy. Age of the expectant mother is also a risk factor, as studies show that mothers between the ages of 13 to 19 years are where the highest levels of depression are reported during pregnancy. Hormonal changes or new thyroid issues are also risk factors of developing PPD and should be evaluated by a medical professional, such as an obstetrician. Though PPD suggests that the onset is after giving birth, there are risk factors that exist during pregnancy as well which include social aspects as well, such as lack of familial or partner support, a change in environment, or any other stressful situation.
Redetermining risk factors for PPD is an important concern that should be considered in the medical and behavioral fields to develop standardized screening tools to be used throughout pregnancy to prevent PPD. In summary, addressing PPD during pregnancy can help prevent the number one cause of death among new moms–suicide. If you, or anyone you know, are experiencing symptoms of PPD, know that you are not alone and there is help. Reach out to Niyyah and allow one of our therapists to walk with you through finding relief from your overwhelming thoughts and feelings of becoming a mother.