Postpartum or peripartum depression (PPD) is also called postnatal or perinatal depression. PPD is a type of clinical depression which can affect women around or after childbirth and symptoms include sadness, fatigue, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, reduced desire for sex, crying episodes, anxiety and irritability.
Mom's Depression Increases Depression Risk in Baby
A pregnant woman may pass depression onto her unborn child, according to a new study. Doctors have long suspected a connection between maternal depression and mood disorders in offspring; this research helps scientists understand how and when this occurs.
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Many New Moms Suffer From Postpartum Depression
At least 80% of all new mothers suffer from postpartum blues. The symptoms of the blues include feelings of sadness and a lack of energy.
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The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Evaluation
Postpartum depression is different from baby blues. When a woman suffers from postpartum depression, her feelings of depression may be deeper and more noticeable.
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Breastfeeding and Antidepressants
Many women stop taking antidepressants when they become pregnant or when they begin breastfeeding, with the understanding that it's better for the baby to go without these drugs. But is this true?
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Screening For Depression During Pregnancy and Postpartum
The US Preventive Services Task Force issued an updated recommendation for screening all adults for depression. The last update, in 2009, did not recommend screening all adults over 18 but the 2016 update does. Depression in anyone 15 and older is one of the leading causes of disability in the US.
Screening Recommended for Expectant and New Mothers ... read more »