Postpartum depressionis depression that occurs after giving birth.
This article covers when postpartum depression starts, the early warning signs, and how to get help.
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What Factors Influence the Onset of Postpartum Depression?
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Postpartum depressionoccurs for a combination of reasons.
Contributing factors to postpartum depression include:
When Does Postpartum Depression Start?
This is in light of evidence that postpartum depression can develop after the traditional six-month mark in some cases.
A subgroup of people with postpartum depression develops symptoms closer to a year after birth.
Depression related to childbirth can also develop before birth; this is called prenatal depression.
Early Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression
Specificsymptomscan indicate the onset of postpartum depression.
Knowing the following symptoms and warning signs can help you get timely and appropriate treatment.
Emotional symptoms include:
Physical Symptoms
Postpartum depression can also affect you physically.
There are many physical changes after giving birth and adjusting to life with an infant.
Part of the challenge is determining if the symptoms are atypical and more serious.
However, the baby blues is not the same as postpartum depression.
Symptoms of the baby blues can be similar to postpartum depression.
However, the baby blues are less severe and shorter-lived.
It can be challenging for new parents to speak openly about their symptoms.
The truth is that although new parenthood can be hard, it shouldn’t cause depression.
Support groups are also beneficial for coping with postpartum depression and connecting to others in a similar situation.
Summary
Postpartum depression is depression that occurs within one year after childbirth.
However, the reality of when postpartum depression starts is more complicated.
Treatments, including talk therapy and medication, can bring relief to postpartum symptoms.
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