MAIN Health Pregnancy Pregnancy & Depression

Although the cause of wild rejoicing, the truth is that sometimes having a baby may lead to depression and anxiety due to hormonal changes that take its toll on both mind and body during and after birth.

Even if hormonal changes aren't a big factor, all the excitement of initial planning and preparing -- and the sheer physical toll of giving birth -- can lead to a post-climactic letdown that may become overwhelming.

If you're currently experiencing bouts of postpartum depression take comfort in the fact that it isn't a rare occurrence. In fact, 70% to 80% of women experience some kind of mood swing and signs of depression sometime in the first 3 months (or more) following the birth of a child.

Postpartum depression symptoms and treatment

Symptoms of postpartum depression often include fatigue, irritability, difficulty bonding with your new baby, decreased sex drive, loss of appetite, or lack of interest in taking joy in any part of your life.

Symptoms may last for days or even several weeks after giving birth. If they continue or worsen, it's highly recommended that you call your doctor who may either prescribe counseling, a course of antidepressant drugs, or hormone therapy to help in your full recovery.

Postpartum depression, or PPD, is often differentiated from postpartum psychosis - the most severe form of postnatal depression which, although rare, is extremely serious and often requires hospitalization.

Find out more about PPD, its causes, treatments and ways to cope at top sites offering facts and information, tips and advice on the "baby blues"...

More about postpartum depression around the Web:

MedlinePlus: Postpartum Depression - Great overview of the condition with updated links to news, information, diagnosis and treatment of antepartum and postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, with related research, organizations and directories.

Recovering from Delivery - Tips and how-to's on getting over the physical exhaustion, postpartum depression and other symptoms, their causes, symptoms, risk factors.

Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression: What's the Difference? - From Health Place.com with advice on common symptoms of exhaustion following the birth of a baby, and when to seek professional help.

PSI - Postpartum Support International - In-depth information on postpartum mood disorders with an online self-assessment test, symptoms and how to ease them, related advice on health & nutrition guidelines, tips for new dads, chat & support forums.

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.