It is quite common for a woman to feel low and tearful in the week after delivery. This is termed as ‘baby blues’ or ‘maternity blues’. However, in some cases if this feeling is serious and lasts longer it is called ‘Postnatal Depression’ (PND). It may occur any time in the first year of baby’s birth either gradually or all of a sudden.

Symptoms of PND

The symptoms of postnatal depression vary for one woman to another and are generally classified as Mood, Physical and Cognitive Symptoms.

Mood Symptoms include loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, irritable mood, crying for no apparent reasons, persistent low mood and indifference towards your partner or baby.

Physical Symptoms like change in sleep patterns i.e. either excessive sleep or inadequate and disturbed sleep; loss of appetite leading to loss of weight, feeling fatigued and lack of energy to do even the simplest of chores may occur.

In severe cases one may just sit in one place and respond slowly. Some others may feel agitated and keep pacing and wringing their hands. In some cases the same person may alternate between slowing and agitation phases.

Cognitive Symptoms include excessively worrying about own or baby’s physical health, panic attacks, phobias, difficulty in concentrating or making everyday decisions and feeling hopelessness and worthlessness.

Causes of PND

The causes of developing postnatal depression are difficult to point out as it can result from a combination of factors. These can include past history of depression, difficulties in marital relationship, lack of preparation for the physical impact of child birth, the shock of dealing with the new responsibility and other stresses of life like financial troubles.

Furthermore, a difficult labor, complications at the time of birth like a brain-damaged or ill baby, hormonal upheavals and lack of certain nutrients like omega-3 fat, zinc and magnesium during pregnancy can also lead to depression.

Impact of PND

Postnatal depression may interfere in the development of mother-child bond, it can lead to suicidal tendencies in the mother, continued depression may lead to problems with the spouse and in extreme cases due to delay in accessing treatment it can result in chronic ill-health and disability.

PND may last from a few weeks to months. Proper diagnosis and treatment is important to cure postnatal depression. Remember that PND is in no way a sign of weak character.

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