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What is meant by postpartum depression or peripartum depression?

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder affecting a woman who recently delivered a baby. It may present with symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, exhaustion, feelings of extreme sadness, or other symptoms similar to other forms of depression. For some, symptoms may be so debilitating they cannot undertake normal daily activities such as looking after themselves and their babies.


The onset of symptoms often occurs within one or two months after delivery of the baby, but onset of symptoms may be delayed for several months after having the baby. When the disorder occurs postpartum (after delivery), it is referred to as postpartum depression.


Some women begin to have symptoms of depression during pregnancy that persist after the delivery of the baby. In such cases, the disorder is referred to as peripartum depression.


The arrival of a new baby is a huge change in the life of a mother, and many new mothers experience varying emotions and mood swings. A rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone hormone levels in the woman’s body may cause chemical changes in the brain, which could trigger mood swings.


Inadequate rest and exhaustion following delivery may compound these changes. In many cases of postpartum depression, there is no obvious reason. Mothers feeling unwell or having symptoms of depression following delivery should consult a physician or seek help from a mental health service provider.

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