Postpartum Depression Seek medical attention after childbirth

Postpartum Depression patients need the help of all

A Specialist Obstetrician Gyne­cologist, Dr Karen Renee Zu has advised women who feel unwell after giving birth to see the obstetrician gynecologist immedi­ately.

That, she said could be a condi­tion known as Postpartum Depres­sion (PPD).

In an interview with The Specta­tor about it following some con­cerns from some members about some mothers acting strangely after delivery, Dr Zu said PPD symptoms could include recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, add­ing that the symptoms usually de­veloped within the first few weeks after giving birth and six months after birth.

According to her, new mothers showing depressed mood or severe mood swings, withdrawing from family and friends and excessive crying, loss of appetite or eating more than usual, unable to sleep and fatigued could be suffering from this.

Others symptoms include loss of interest or less interest in things the person use to enjoy before having the baby, a difficulty with bonding with the baby, getting very angry or irritable and fear that she is not a good mother.

The Specialist Obstetrician Gynecologist said feelings of worthlessness, shame guilt or not being good enough, inability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions like she used to, severe anxiety and panic attacks can all be attributed to this.

DDP is a medical condition that many women get after having a baby. It’s a strong feelings of sad­ness, anxiety (worry) and tiredness that last for a long time after giving birth.

According to medical science, there is no single cause of PPD, but genetics, physical changes and emotional issues may play a role.

Genetics studies show that having a family history of PPD, especially if it was major increases the risk of experiencing it physical changes.

Although many women feel mostly recovered by 6-8 weeks, it may take longer than this to feel normal again.

Dr Zu therefore cautioned that the condition should not be taken for granted because eventually, the mother’s ability to care for the baby and handle other things effectively becomes a challenge.

From Dzifa Tetteh Tay