Who is more susceptible to postpartum depression

The simultaneous relationship between smoking and socioeconomic level and the relationship between socioeconomic level with depression complicate the association between smoking and postpartum depression. However, the physiological changes of pregnancy may seem as a stressful event for some mothers and lead to the onset of depression symptoms and start of smoking. Another social factor is employment status, especially professional careers, which have been associated with a reduced risk of postpartum depression.

Among the factors related to lifestyle, factors of food intake patterns, sleep status, exercise, and physical activities may affect postpartum depression. Vitamin B6 is effective in the production of serotonin from tryptophan as a cofactor.

Therefore, the reduction of this vitamin may be involved in the process of postpartum depression. The results of an ecological study on 23 countries indicated that high docosahexaenoic acid levels and increased seafood consumption have been associated with reduced risk of postpartum depression.

Among the micronutrients, reduced intake of zinc and selenium is linked with the incidence of postpartum depression. In addition to nutritional status, sleep status is among the factors influencing the risk of depression. Evidence shows that there is a relationship between less sleep and postpartum depression. Periods of severe sleep deprivation have been reported in depressed women after delivery. There is also some evidence to suggest that exercise and physical activity have significant benefits in reducing depression symptoms, which are comparable with medicinal benefits.

A possible mechanism is the effect of exercise on mental conditions of women by increasing the endogenous opioids and endorphins, which improve the mental health. Exercise also increases self-confidence and will eliminate negative self-assessments caused by depression.

In addition, exercise will help women focusing on the environment around and solving their problems. Biological factors and social factors create intertwined rings that each makes women prone to postpartum depression by affecting each other. According to the findings of this study, many biological and environmental factors, such as lifestyle-related factors, are involved in the incidence or prevention of postpartum depression through direct and indirect impact on the level of serotonin in the brain and its function.

Furthermore, many environmental factors such as socioeconomic factors cause crisis conditions and postpartum depression through influencing the mental health during pregnancy. Therefore, postpartum depression prevention programs need to focus on individuals interpersonal relationships to reduce domestic violence and increase social protection in addition to modify the women's lifestyle and increase their ability to cope with the crisis conditions.

Moreover, based on the results of this research, the postpartum depression predictor tools should focus on social factors and lifestyle in addition to physical health conditions of individuals.

This study is part of a research thesis proposal approved by the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences which was performed with financial support of the Research Council of the University. National Center for Biotechnology Information , U. J Educ Health Promot. Published online Aug 9. Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer.

Address for correspondence: Dr. E-mail: ri. Received May 21; Accepted Jan This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. Abstract Postpartum depression is a debilitating mental disorder with a high prevalence. Keywords: Narrative review, postpartum depression, risk factors. Materials and Methods This was a review narrative study, in which literature in English and Farsi was evaluated using electronic search in databases of Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, UpToDate, and Proquest in the time range returns between and Psychological factors Previous history of depression and anxiety is among the factors that are associated with a higher risk of postpartum depression.

Obstetric risk factors Assessment the relationship between the number of delivery and postpartum depression has been associated with conflicting results. Biological factors Young age during pregnancy increases the risk of depression. Social factors Social support refers to emotional support, financial support, intelligence support, and empathy relations. Lifestyle Among the factors related to lifestyle, factors of food intake patterns, sleep status, exercise, and physical activities may affect postpartum depression.

Conclusion Biological factors and social factors create intertwined rings that each makes women prone to postpartum depression by affecting each other. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgments This study is part of a research thesis proposal approved by the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences which was performed with financial support of the Research Council of the University.

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You should not take esketamine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. These treatments can be used alone or together. Talk with your doctor or nurse about the benefits and risks of taking medicine to treat depression when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Having depression can affect your baby. Getting treatment is important for you and your baby. Taking medicines for depression or going to therapy does not make you a bad mother or a failure.

Getting help is a sign of strength. Feeling like a bad mother can make depression worse. It is important to reach out for help if you feel depressed. Researchers believe postpartum depression in a mother can affect her child throughout childhood, causing: 7. For more information about postpartum depression, call the OWH Helpline at or check out these resources from the following organizations:. Department of Health and Human Services. ET closed on federal holidays.

Postpartum depression. Postpartum depression Your body and mind go through many changes during and after pregnancy. What is postpartum depression? How common is postpartum depression? How do I know if I have postpartum depression? What causes postpartum depression? Other feelings may contribute to postpartum depression. Many new mothers say they feel: Tired after labor and delivery Tired from a lack of sleep or broken sleep Overwhelmed with a new baby Doubts about their ability to be a good mother Stress from changes in work and home routines An unrealistic need to be a perfect mom Grief about loss of who they were before having the baby Less attractive A lack of free time These feelings are common among new mothers.

Are some women more at risk of postpartum depression? You may be more at risk of postpartum depression if you: 3 Have a personal history of depression or bipolar disorder Have a family history of depression or bipolar disorder Do not have support from family and friends Were depressed during pregnancy Had problems with a previous pregnancy or birth Have relationship or money problems Are younger than 20 Have alcoholism, use illegal drugs, or have some other problem with drugs Have a baby with special needs Have difficulty breastfeeding Had an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy The U.

If you have the baby blues, you may: Have mood swings Feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed Have crying spells Lose your appetite Have trouble sleeping The baby blues usually go away in 3 to 5 days after they start. What is postpartum psychosis? What should I do if I have symptoms of postpartum depression?

What can I do at home to feel better while seeing a doctor for postpartum depression? Here are some ways to begin feeling better or getting more rest, in addition to talking to a health care professional: Rest as much as you can.

Sleep when the baby is sleeping. Ask your partner, family, and friends for help. Make time to go out, visit friends, or spend time alone with your partner. Talk about your feelings with your partner, supportive family members, and friends. Talk with other mothers so that you can learn from their experiences. Join a support group. Ask your doctor or nurse about groups in your area. More major life changes in addition to a new baby can cause unneeded stress.

When that happens, try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time. How is postpartum depression treated? The common types of treatment for postpartum depression are: Therapy. During therapy, you talk to a therapist, psychologist, or social worker to learn strategies to change how depression makes you think, feel, and act.

Electroconvulsive therapy ECT. This can be used in extreme cases to treat postpartum depression. What can happen if postpartum depression is not treated? Untreated postpartum depression can affect your ability to parent. Feeling sad or having a depressed mood Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed Changes in appetite Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much Loss of energy or increased fatigue Increase in purposeless physical activity e.

You should contact your doctor if You are experiencing several of the symptoms above for more than two weeks You have thoughts of suicide or thoughts of harming your child Your depressed feelings are getting worse You are having trouble with daily tasks or taking care of your baby. Who Is at Risk?

Self-help and Coping. Learn to recognize the symptoms of depression and anxiety and if you see signs, urge her to see a health care provider. Listen to Her.

Let her know you want to hear her concerns. For example, "I notice you are having trouble sleeping, even when the baby sleeps. What's on your mind? Let her know she's not alone and you are here to help. Try offering to help with household tasks or watching the baby while she gets some rest or visits friends.

Encourage her to seek help if needed. She may feel uncomfortable and not want to seek help. Encourage her to talk with a health care provider.

Share some information on peripartum conditions. Offer to make an appointment for her talk with someone. Related conditions during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Symptoms of depression and mania: Severe sadness and irritability Elevated mood Rapid speech and racing thoughts Little or no sleep and high energy Impulsive decisions and poor judgment Delusions that can be grandiose or paranoid Hallucinations — seeing or hearing things that are not present Treatment can include mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications 9 along with therapy.

Incidence of maternal and paternal depression in primary care: a cohort study using a primary care database. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. Field, T. Postpartum depression effects on early interactions, parenting, and safety practices. Infant Behav Develop. Impact of antenatal and postpartum maternal mental illness: How are the Children? American Psychiatric Association.

Wisner, KL, et al. Fairbrother, et al. Perinatal anxiety disorder prevalence and incidence. J Affect Disord. Yonkers, K.