Feb. 14, 2019—Doctors may be able to start predicting which new moms are most at risk for worsening postpartum depression in the first year after giving birth. This could help women who are experiencing early signs of depression get the help they need sooner. And earlier treatment tends to be more effective.
Researchers identified four factors that can indicate if a woman is at risk for lasting depression after giving birth:
- The number of children she already has.
- How well she copes in her life, at work and socially.
- Her education level. This can reveal her access to helpful resources.
- How severe her depression is four to eight weeks after giving birth.
When a mom brings her baby in for a checkup at around six weeks, a doctor could use the four factors above to assess whether she should be followed more closely for signs of depression or even if she should begin treatment right away. Treatments include talk therapy and medication.
The study was published in the journal Depression and Anxiety.
'Baby blues' or depression?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, some women get the postpartum "blues" a few days after giving birth. They might feel angry with their baby or their partner. They also might:
- Cry for no apparent reason.
- Have trouble sleeping, eating and making choices.
- Wonder whether they can really care for their baby.
The blues usually go away within a few days or weeks.
Postpartum depression is more severe than the blues. It often starts within several weeks of birth. But it can begin as much as one year after childbirth. Symptoms include intense feelings of sadness, anxiety or despair. The symptoms can be so bad they prevent someone caring for their baby.
If you recently gave birth and feel depressed, talk with your doctor. Postpartum depression is treatable.