Fatique and Postpartum Depression

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Fatique and Postpartum Depression

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Fatigue Signals Postpartum Depression
A recent study released in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecological and Neonatal Nursing suggests that women experiencing persistent and debilitating fatigue in the 2 weeks immediately following birth may be more at risk for developing postpartum depression.

The study linked fatigue in the first 2 weeks after birth with increased risk of postpartum depression among women carrying their baby to term and those delivering vaginally without complication. Participants involved in the study were asked to complete a questionnaire sometime between the 36th and 38th week of pregnancy that provided self-report information on a woman's fatigue levels, stress levels and history of depression. Women were also required to provide a saliva sample to measure levels of cortisol in the body.

Roughly 91% of women participating in the study reporting unusual fatigue during the last few weeks of pregnancy also reported more symptoms of postpartum depression in the two to four weeks following delivery.

The study also revealed that a family or personal history of depression may predispose certain women to higher risks for postpartum depression.

This study may provide health care providers a new tool for screening pregnant women who may be more at risk for developing postpartum depression. Family history alone and other medical assessments may not adequately screen all women susceptible to depression in the early weeks following delivery.

Most of the women participating in the study reporting excessive levels of fatigue also reported higher than average stress levels in the month following birth. Salivary tests also revealed the same group of women were highest toward the end of pregnancy and reduced after birth, suggesting that hormone testing alone may not be a strong indication of what women are most at risk for developing postpartum depression.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Postpartum Depression
Many women will experience a temporary case of the baby blues in the days following delivery. This typically results from the rapidly decreasing levels of hormones circulating in the body. Postpartum depression however, often is not diagnosed until women start exhibiting more severe symptoms of the disorder. Early diagnosis, screening techniques and treatment may help women avoid some of the common pitfalls associated with postpartum depression, a serious and often debilitating condition affecting roughly 12% of women in the weeks following delivery.

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Postpartum depression may have numerous consequences including interrupting the mothers sleep even more so than normal, preventing adequate maternal to infant bonding and resulting in negative effects on both parental and newborn behaviors. Women experiencing postpartum depression also report more negative relationship problems in the weeks following delivery.

If you or someone you know experiences excessive fatigue or symptoms of depression in the weeks following delivery, it is important you consult with your health care provider for adequate screening and diagnosis. With proper treatment most women will go on to lead an ordinary, happy and joyful existence!