During the congress of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), Bangladeshi researchers discussed the elements that can promote the occurrence of depressive symptoms in mothers after the birth of their baby.
- 10% to 20% of mothers are affected by postpartum depression in the weeks following childbirth.
- Fertility disorders, complications during childbirth, an unwanted pregnancy or even physical comorbidities can contribute to the appearance of depressive symptoms in young mothers.
- To identify serious mental disorders, a Bangladeshi researcher recommends asking mothers five specific questions.
One in five women experience changes to their mental health during pregnancy. This was stated by Professor Ferdousi Begum, member of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB), at the congress of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). “There is evidence that psychiatric morbidity, particularly depression and anxiety, increases in most women during this period.”
After giving birth, 10% to 20% of mothers are affected by postpartum depression, according to several data. As a reminder, this disorder is associated with intense and unexplained sadness, emotional lability, sleep problems, negative beliefs with a feeling of guilt, a loss of interest in the infant, a depreciation of maternal skills, even ideas suicidal.
Postpartum depression: psychiatric, socio-economic and obstetric factors identified
According to Sameena Chowdhury, professor and member of the OGSB, several factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms in the weeks following childbirth. Among them, we find:
- Pregnancy during adolescence
- Fertility disorders
- Discrimination against the sex of the child
- Pre-existing mental disorders/substance abuse
- Physical comorbidities (hypothyroidism, gestational diabetes, etc.)
- Complications during childbirth
- An unwanted pregnancy
- Little or no social support
- Poverty / low level of education
Postpartum: depressive symptoms to take seriously
Farhana Dewan, another Bangladeshi researcher, said some symptoms could be more serious after the baby is born and should be taken seriously. These signs are:
- Negative thoughts about the baby
- Inability to care for your own child
- An intention to harm the infant
- Hallucinations (especially auditory)
- Suicidal behavior
- From paranoia
- Physical violence against the family
5 questions to ask to identify severe mental disorders in mothers
“For the mother, the risks and effects of postpartum depression are poor care, risky behaviors and abnormal weight gain. In infants, low weight and developmental delay are often observed,” said Sameena Chowdhury. Therefore, to identify serious mental disorders, the researcher advises asking young mothers five questions. “Do you think someone is going to hurt you? Do you hear someone that no one else hears? Do you think you are more capable of doing things than anyone else? Have you ever intended to harm yourself or your children? Are you incapable of taking care of yourself?”