Various factors contribute to these symptoms in women following the birth of a baby. According to
doctors, women undergo depression because of the following
reasons:
- Drop in estrogens: Depression following childbirth
may be the result of rapid drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone. The release of these
hormones increase during pregnancy to help maintain the fertilized egg until the delivery of the
baby. However, about 72 hours after delivery, progesterone levels drop radically in the new mother
and are likely to trigger depression after birth. - Decrease in
endorphins: Endorphins are chemicals that are generally linked with the experience of
“feeling good.” During pregnancy, there is a natural increase in endorphin levels in the body. Their
decrease immediately after delivery can also cause depression in new mothers.
Some other
factors that could influence depression in women include:
- A difficult pregnancy or
childbirth - Marital problems such as a troubled
relationship - Disruption in sleep patterns as a result of caring for the
baby - Feeling of loss regarding pregnancy
If your spouse is suffering
from depression following childbirth, it is important for you to realize that:
- It is not
your partner’s fault. - It does not mean that she is incapable of being a good
mother.