16.7% of women have postpartum depression two months after giving birth, according to a recent national survey on perinatal health. What are the signs of this depression? The editorial staff explains everything to you.
- Doctors speak of postpartum depression when depressive symptoms last more than two weeks after delivery.
- Postpartum depression can lead to adverse effects on the child or relationship stress. Rapid support is therefore necessary for the well-being of all.
- This disorder is different from the baby blues which is linked to the sudden drop in pregnancy hormones. It would affect 50 to 80% of women.
“Data reveals that 16.7% of women experience postpartum depression”, warns the recent national perinatal survey conducted under the direction of Inserm and co-managed by the Directorate General for Health (DGS), the Directorate General for Healthcare (DGOS), Directorate for Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics (DREES) and Public Health France.
This disorder is to be differentiated from the baby blues which, according to health insurance, would concern 50 to 80% of women who give birth. Unlike postpartum depression, this syndrome has a physiological cause: the sudden drop in pregnancy hormones following the birth of the child. It can last one to two weeks after the baby is born. If signs of depression persist over time, postpartum depression is suspected.
Postpartum: what are the signs of depression in women?
Postpartum depression can greatly disrupt a woman’s daily life, especially in her activities and new family constraints. According to the MSD Manuala medical dictionary for healthcare professionals, symptoms may include:
- a continuation of the baby blues (rapid mood swings, irritability, anxiety, decreased concentration, insomnia, crying spells, etc.);
- extreme sadness with sometimes uncontrollable crying;
- insomnia or conversely, hypersomnia;
- eating disorders: loss of appetite or overeating;
- irritability, anger;
- headaches, aches and pains in the back;
- extreme tiredness;
- unrealistic anxieties about the infant or, on the contrary, a great lack of interest in him;
- a feeling of being unable to take care of the baby or of not being a good mother to him;
- anxiety, panic, fear of death;
- great guilt about his feelings;
- suicidal thoughts.
A 2-step diagnosis of depression for new mothers
“Typically, symptoms develop insidiously over 3 months, but their onset may be more suddensays the MSD Manual. Postpartum depression affects women’s ability to care for themselves and their infants.”
The diagnosis can be made by the attending physician, using a clinical assessment and an analysis of the symptoms. Women affected by this depression must have at least five different symptoms for more than two consecutive weeks.
Certain cultural factors can cause women to remain silent in the face of their disorder. However, the earlier the treatment, the faster the results, which is both beneficial for the health of the mother and that of her child.
Treatment is based on taking antidepressants and/or psychotherapy.