- Treatment for this condition is based on psychotherapy and, if necessary, medication.
- During the first 15 days after delivery, it is normal for the mother to feel sadness due to hormonal changes, but it is a feeling that should gradually disappear.
- Some symptoms of postpartum depression have to do with sadness, loss of interest in things they used to do, increased or decreased appetite, and sleep.
In Mexico, two out of 10 women develop depression during pregnancy and/or postpartum. But something that is too serious is that 75 percent of them are not diagnosed and therefore do not receive adequate treatment or care. This was reported by the researcher in Medical Sciences of the National Institute of Psychiatry “Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz” (INPRFM), Laura Elena Navarrete Reyes.
He said the Lack of attention affects the emotional, cognitive and social development of the baby, as well as mother-son, mother-daughter attachment. This situation causes suffering to women, who hide it out of ignorance and fear of being stigmatized.
Main factors that generate it
There are factors that increase the risk of triggering depression such as low level of education, unemployment and previous abortions. Also fear of childbirth, unwanted pregnancy, being a single mother, bad relationship, gender, prenatal and obstetric violence or stressful events in the last six months.
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Another cause for women to develop depression is finding out that they are having a girl, when the wish on the part of the mother, father, or both is that it be a man. The same happens in reverse cases.
most common symptoms
The specialist explains that the symptoms of postpartum depression They have to do with sadness, loss of interest in things they used to do, increased or decreased appetite and hours of sleep. Also feelings of guilt, difficulty making decisions or the idea that her baby could be better off without her.
These women commonly feel hopeless, anxious, that circumstances are beyond them, that they are unable to take care of their baby’s needs, or that their tasks are overwhelming. Sometimes they experience negative feelings for those around them, including their daughter and son.
Depression in pregnancy causes them not to attend prenatal medical appointments and not eat properly. This will affect the weight of the baby, can cause premature labor and difficulty in the parenting process with consequences such as diarrhea, fever, motor, cognitive, language and social development problems.
Navarrete Reyes stressed that depression is a complex state that can present from the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by emotional and physical reactions and changes in behavior.
She clarified that during the first 15 days after delivery, it is normal for the mother to feel sadness due to hormonal changes, and this feeling gradually disappears. Although if the symptoms persist six months after delivery, professional help should be sought for the diagnosis of the disease.
How is postpartum depression treated?
The treatment consists of medication prescription and psychotherapy. In general, after six months of specialized care, the neural connections that are altered are regulated and the patient feels better.
The support of the partner, the family or other women close to the mother is essential for the care of the newborn person, the preparation of food, shopping and household chores. In addition, It is essential that you rest, reorganize priorities, eat and sleep during the postpartum period.
The specialist insisted on the need to raise awareness and make visible the various mental disorders that can affect mothers, such as depression, anxiety, postpartum psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorders, in any case it is essential to seek specialized medical care.
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