Postnatal depression, also called postpartum depression, usually doesn't have a single identifiable cause. A combination of emotional, physical, and lifestyle factors leads to this inability to cope with new motherhood in a healthy way. While it's common to have the "baby blues" after childbirth,
postnatal depression is more severe. It lasts more than a few days and may become worse over time. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that sbout 10 percent of women suffer from postpartum depression in the months after giving birth.
Hormonal Changes
Significant hormonal changes occur during and immediately after pregnancy. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced in much greater amounts when you're pregnant, then their levels quickly drop back down within 24 hours after childbirth. It's believed that this change may cause symptoms of depression in some women. Levels of thyroid hormones can also decrease after birth, leading to fatigue, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and mood changes.
Genetics
Some women are more likely to experience postnatal depression due to their genetic makeup. If you have a personal or family history of mental illness, you may be more sensitive to the physical and emotional changes that occur after childbirth.
Lifestyle Factors
The dramatic lifestyle changes that tend to follow pregnancy contribute to postnatal depression. Things like sleep deprivation, disruption to your regular daily routine, and breastfeeding difficulties can all play a role. Women who already have children must learn how to balance their demands with those of a new baby, and first-time mothers may not know exactly what to expect. You're more likely to suffer from depression if you don't have a good support system in place.
Stress and Anxiety
New moms tend to put unrealistic expectations on themselves. They may try to do too much, get caught up in ideas of perfectionism, and compare themselves unfavorably to other women. This causes anxiety and can lead to postnatal depression. In addition, any other big changes that are happening in your life seem magnified when you're already sleep deprived and overwhelmed. Having a baby and going on maternity leave can also cause financial stress.
Emotional Issues
Having a newborn can be emotionally difficult for a variety of reasons. You may feel guilty if you don't immediately fall in love with your baby, even though it's normal for the bonding experience to happen gradually over time. Having a baby with medical problems may also lead to undeserved guilt. New moms can feel less physically attractive or as if they've given up a part of themselves. Childbirth often brings up painful emotions in women who have lost a baby in the past. Virtually all new mothers feel overwhelmed, scared, and worried from time to time.
