Pregnant mothers not only have to deal with drastic body changes by nourishing a human being inside their womb, but the hormonal changes can make the situation worse for them. All these changes can at times take a different turn in the nine-month-long journey. From excitement and joy, pregnancy can make the new mom feel stressed and depressed. There can be a sudden outburst of emotions without any particular reason, which in medical term is referred to as the postpartum depression. Studies suggest that most new mothers experience postpartum depression during their pregnancy and half of them do not even realise it.
Postpartum and baby blues
Most people think that postpartum depression and baby blues are the same things. In reality, they are not. Baby blues go away within 1-2 weeks of the delivery, but postpartum is chronic and can last much longer if necessary measures are not taken. Baby-blues can be a part of postpartum. The symptoms of postpartum depression include:
Loss of appetite
Excessive crying
Exhaustion
Anxiety
Insomnia
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Feeling angry
How long postpartum depression lasts
Postpartum depression starts after your delivery. Initially, it might be hard to determine the symptoms as the process of giving birth generally makes a woman feel tired and sad, but with time the signs become obvious and easy to identify. The depression phase lasts for 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth. In some cases, it can start during pregnancy and can last up to 1 year. Studies suggest that in several women postpartum depression can last up to 3 years after the delivery of the baby.
Women with a history of mental illness, complicated pregnancy, lack of family support are more prone to prolonged postpartum depression. So, it is crucial to be careful and be aware of your feelings. Taking the right steps at the right time can help you recover from the emotional turmoil.
What should you do at this time
Postpartum depression can not only make it difficult for you to bond with your little one but can also strain the relationship with your partner, friends, family and other children.
Seeking a professional’s help is the best and most effective way to get over with this difficult phase. If you are not feeling emotionally well even after 2-3 weeks of the delivery then get in touch with your doctor. Talk about your feelings and be as honest as possible. This is the only way to recover. Have an open conversation with your partner or friends. Keeping things to yourself won’t benefit you in any manner.