Postpartum depression in mothers
Pregnancy and childbirth are key occurrences in a woman’s life that encourage unexpected and intense transformation in a mother’s responsibilities and roles. As a result, maternal postpartum depression is most likely to manifest during the postpartum period (Slomian et al., 2019). Depression is among the most significant causes of worldwide mental issues in women of childbearing age. Postpartum depression(PPD) is a severe public health issue that affects about 13% of mothers (McCoy et al., 2006). This literature review aims to provide an overview of the causes, symptoms, incidence of postpartum health issues, risk factors, the barriers to acquiring care, and the interventions that can be implemented to deal with PPD among new mothers between ages 17-28.
Causes and prevalence of PPD
Mothers are more likely to develop any psychiatric disorder during after giving birth. Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most public disorder that affects around 500,000 mothers annually in the U.S. and the prevalence is around 10 to 15 %(Guintivano et al., 2019). Mothers are more vulnerable to the disorder after birth compared to other times in their life. Therefore they should receive a lot of care and support from their spouses, relatives, and acquittances to help them deal with the situation or prevent the occurrences of PPD.
Normal pregnancy is accompanied by substantial biological changes which uphold the pregnancy, encourage the development of the fetus, and facilitate labour, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Several factors are associated with the occurrence of PPD in first-time mothers. There are three main factors; biological, psychosocial, and demographic (Meldawati, 2021). Biological factors include; the physiological changes that women undergo during prenatal period, childbirth, and after delivery, anemia, nutritional deficits, metabolic conditions, obstetric conditions experienced by the mother, reduction in progesterone and estrogen hormones after delivery, genetic predisposition, medical complications change in oxytocin and fatty acids, reduction in cytokines. Psychological factors that may contribute to PPD include marital issues, including domestic violence, lack of mutual support from spouses and other members of the family, past affective conditions such as past pregnancy depression, mood disorders during menses coping styles, personality traits, and a history of mental health issues (Meldawati, 2021). Mothers with previous experience with depressive disorders are more likely to have a reoccurrence of the issues after delivery if they are unsatisfied with their spouses (Misri et al., 2000). Finally, the demographic aspects include education, mother’s age, parity, profession, culture or principal norms. Therefore nurses and other healthcare givers should be able to offer complete nursing care to perinatal mothers so that they can prevent several psychological issues during the perinatal period. Postpartum depression in mothers
Symptoms, risk factors and diagnosis of PPD
Postpartum depression is a mental condition that arises initially during the first month after children’s birth, mainly associated with a miserable mood and loss of desire in day-to-day activities. Researchers have significantly focused on the prevalence, risk factors, and targeted prevention mechanisms of PPD among new mums (Wang et al., 2021). PPD can result in hostile symptoms that make parenthood among the most rowdy occurrences in women’s life. Primiparous mothers with issues adapting to their new roles are more susceptible to PPD. PPD is an entire family problem with a significant prevalence of 60% in some nations(Abdollahi et al.,2016). It affects women’s lives and their beliefs about caring for their neonates. These babies are vulnerable to uncertain affection and diminished psychomotor and cognitive growth.
Postpartum depression represents a severe public health issue. It is a common complication after childbirth that affects 17.7% of women globally(Karl et al., 2020). Previous studies have identified several predictors and serious factors associated with PPD, such as anxiety, stressful experience, and postnatal depression. It has severe adverse impacts on mothers. PPD among mothers can severely affect the cognitive, physical, and emotional development besides the child’s behaviour. Additionally, high work burden during gravidity is a risk-factor for developing PPD symptoms. There is a significant frequency of PPD in teenage moms than in experienced ones (McCoy et al., 2006). New mothers aged 17-28 may have trouble adapting to motherhood and balancing other marital responsibilities. The main symptoms include guilt, confusion, suicidal tendency, dysphoria, and emotional liability. PPD symptoms may relate to specific psychosocial work stressors, such as higher psychological work stresses, poorer scheduling autonomy, reduced control over family and job, higher overall job, and lower workplace flexibility (Karl et al., 2020). The work related to risk factors should be investigated and dealt with to improve the wellness and health of expectant mothers to prevent the occurrence of PPD. Postpartum depression in mothers
The time after child delivery is a very crucial time for many mothers since they undergo a lot of psychosocial and physical transformations. They tend to adjust to various psychosocial areas such as self-efficacy, postpartum anxiety and depression, and social support. Additionally, they are coping with building their maternal self-efficacy or the reality that they can handle their new responsibilities. Young mothers between 17-28 years are more vulnerable to PPD than older mothers. Furthermore, McCoy et al. (2006) state a significant frequency of PPD in adolescent or teenage moms than in older ones.
Social support bolsters the change after the delivery; hence it is crucial for their emotional and social well-being.
Treatment and interventions for PPD
Postpartum depression affects the wellness of the mother and her baby. Additionally, it affects the baby’s physical health and behavioural/cognitive growth. If the mother does not receive treatment, severe symptoms may increase their risk of suicide. Therefore, practical approaches for earlier diagnosis, prevention, and treatment are essential to deal with this global issue. PPD has been successfully prevented and treated with various approaches, including pharmacologic therapy and behavioural health strategies. Sadly, most moms are reluctant to embrace proven depression treatments such as pharmaceuticals or interpersonal therapies due to time or financial restrictions (Zhou et al., 2022). It is necessary to encourage victims of PPD to seek treatment to deal with the issue to enhance their and their babies health and development.
Conclusion
The changes that women undergo after childbirth for the first time affect postpartum anxiety and self-efficacy symptoms. Postpartum depression results in a long-lasting and significant burden on both mother’s and the baby’s health. Identifying early risk factors will be necessary for successful postpartum depression management or early diagnosis. A crucial possible indicator of the risk of postpartum depression is pain throughout pregnancy. A significant awareness of, and response to, challenges associated with psychosocial adjustment throughout the initial six months after delivery is essential for healthcare providers and other family members to help the mothers deal with the issue.
References APA
Abdollahi, F., Agajani-Delavar, M., Zarghami, M., & Lye, M. S. (2016). Postpartum Mental Health in First-Time Mothers: A Cohort Study. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, In Press(InPress). https://doi.org/10.17795/ijpbs-426
Guintivano, J., Putnam, K. T., Sullivan, P. F., & Meltzer-Brody, S. (2019). The international postpartum depression: action towards causes and treatment (PACT) consortium. International Review of Psychiatry, 31(3), 229–236. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540261.2018.1551191
Karl, M., Schaber, R., Kress, V., Kopp, M. R., Martini, J., Weidner, K., & Garthus-Niegel, S. (2020). Precarious working conditions and psychosocial work stress act as a risk factor for symptoms of postpartum depression during maternity leave: results from a longitudinal cohort study. BMC Public Health, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09573-w
McCoy, S. W., Beal, J. M., Shipman, S., Payton, M. E., & Watson, G. (2006). Risk factors for postpartum depression: a retrospective investigation at 4-weeks postnatal and a literature review. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 106(4), 193–198.
Meldawati, D. (2021). A Correlation between Complication in Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression: Literature Review. International Journal of Clinical Inventions and Medical Sciences, 3(1), 31–39. https://doi.org/10.36079/lamintang.ijcims-0301.181
Misri, S., Kostaras, X., Fox, D., & Kostaras, D. (2000). The Impact of Partner Support in the Treatment of Postpartum Depression. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 45(6), 554–558. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674370004500607
Slomian, J., Honvo, G., Emonts, P., Reginster, J., & Bruyère, O. (2019). Consequences of maternal postpartum depression: A systematic review of maternal and infant outcomes. Women’s Health, 15, 174550651984404. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745506519844044
Wang, D., Li, Y., Qiu, D., & Xiao, S. (2021). Factors Influencing Paternal Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 293, 51–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.05.088
Zhou, C., Hu, H., Chunyi, W., Zhu, Z., Feng, G., Xue, J., & Yang, Z. (2022). The effectiveness of mHealth interventions on postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 28(2), 83–95. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633×20917816
