Perinatal Depression: A Silent Danger for Postpartum Mothers

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Perinatal Depression is a mood disorder that occurs during pregnancy (antenatal depression) and after childbirth (postpartum depression). Symptoms can range from mild to severe. After childbirth, there are physical, mental, and social changes that affect the mother’s mental health. It can lead to postpartum depression, a common complication in mothers after childbirth in the first year, making it impossible for mothers after childbirth to take care of themselves and their infants properly.

Risk factors for postpartum depression 

include a history of depression, unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy complications, maternal stress or anxiety, financial problems, or marital problems.


What is the difference between “postpartum depression” and “baby blues”? “Postpartum Blues” 

is a term used to describe minor and short-term mood changes or postpartum depression, such as feeling sad, sensitive, tense, irritable, exhausted, having no appetite, and insomnia, as well as feeling anxious, distressed, stressed, and exhausted from taking care of a newborn 24 hours a day. Therefore, it is normal for new mothers to feel tired or stressed at times. It usually occurs within 3-5 days after giving birth and the symptoms usually go away on their own within 1-2 weeks without treatment.


“Postpartum Depression” 

is a mood disorder. If the symptoms are severe or last longer than two weeks to several months, it usually occurs within 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth. The mother often feels sad, depressed, unhappy, or not as joyful as before. She has insomnia, has no appetite, cries frequently, is sensitive, irritable, does not interact with her child or family, and sometimes wants to hurt herself or her child, which affects the health of both the mother and the baby. It cannot be cured on its own and requires proper treatment.

Treatment of postpartum depression


1. Psychotherapy 

Talking to a doctor, psychologist or mental health professional helps patients relieve anxiety. Talking or counseling teaches patients to adjust their thinking and behaviors and find ways to cope with the situation and their emotions appropriately.


2. Medication 

The doctor may prescribe antidepressants. Most patients can take antidepressants while breastfeeding. If there is concern, consult a doctor about the risks and benefits of medication before use. In some patients, the doctor may consider psychotherapy in conjunction with medication.

Postpartum depression is a silent threat to postpartum mothers. If not treated properly, it can affect their physical and mental health in the long run, and may affect family members, including their ability to raise their baby. As for the impact on the baby, postpartum depression can cause the baby to have emotional and behavioral problems. Such as difficulty sleeping, refusing to drink milk or food, crying excessively, having attention deficit disorder, or having language development problems. In addition, the father of the baby may also be affected by the environment and atmosphere in the family. Which puts them at risk of depression.

Preventing postpartum depression is important. Mothers and their loved ones can do this by taking care of them, preparing them. Before and after giving birth, เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา so they can cope with this condition. They should always observe symptoms of depression in mothers and learn the correct methods of care. They can take care of themselves by getting enough sleep, doing activities, exercising, or consulting with people close to them. If they feel worried or uncomfortable, they should not keep it to themselves. They should open up and express their feelings. Exchange experiences of taking care of their children with other mothers, and seek advice from experts or those with experience. However, if the symptoms persist, they should consult a specialist immediately to enter the correct treatment process. Family members and close friends play an important role in supporting and encouraging them, reducing stress, and enhancing the mother’s mental health in the postpartum period so that they can happily return to their daily lives with their babies.