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Causes of Postpartum Depression


There is no single cause of postpartum depression but there are a number of contributing factors. Some of the causes of postpartum depression are:

  • Hormonal Changes: The levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone fall after childbirth, with some women experiencing severe drops in their levels. Thyroid levels may also drop, leading to fatigue and depression. Along with changes in metabolism and immune system functioning, these rapid hormonal changes can trigger postpartum depression.
  • Men too can experience hormonal changes that can lead to postpartum depression.
  • Physical Changes: The physical changes that a woman's body undergoes after childbirth can also be a contributing factor. The physical pain in the aftermath of delivery or the difficulty in regaining their pre-pregnancy figures can also be factors in postpartum depression.
  • Stress: Caring for a newborn baby can be stressful, usually resulting in sleep deprivation. New mothers frequently feel overwhelmed by the responsibility and are often unsure of their ability to care for their babies properly. This is especially true for first time mothers.
Some women have a higher risk of developing postpartum depression. Some of the risk factors for postpartum depression are:

  • A prior history of depression
  • A prior history of mental illness
  • Relationship difficulties with the father
  • A history of severe PMS
  • Lack of support from the father, family and friends
  • Medical complications for either the mother or the baby


Postpartum Depression
Signs & Symptoms
Frequently asked questions
References
  1. Laura J. Miller, Elizabeth M. LaRusso, Preventing Postpartum Depression, Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Volume 34, Issue 1, March 2011, Pages 53-65, ISSN 0193-953X, 10.1016/j.psc.2010.11.010.
  2. Christina Munoz, Janyce Agruss, Amy Haeger, Lynn Sivertsen, Postpartum Depression: Detection and Treatment in the Primary Care Setting, The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, Volume 2, Issue 4, April 2006, Pages 247-253, ISSN 1555-4155, 10.1016/j.nurpra.2006.02.008.