Postpartum Depression: What are the factors causing the condition?

There are many factors which cause post partum depression. During pregnancy and childbirth, a woman’s body undergoes a number of changes. After childbirth, the pregnancy hormones dip and the levels of prolactin, which is required for lactation increase. This hormonal upheaval contributes to feelings of depression, irritability, anxiety.

Thyroid hormone levels also tend to fall after childbirth, causing fatigue, depression, irritability, metabolic changes, insomnia, weight gain, difficulty in concentrating. Some women have a tough time coping with the changes in their body following delivery. Lactation, the pain associated with childbirth can also make a woman feel uncomfortable and irritated. She may also feel insecure about her body, her post pregnancy figure. These factors can also contribute to post partum depression. Another fact is that women tend to feel very tired after childbirth.

This combined with the demands of caring for a new baby makes her feel irritated, overwhelmed and anxious. The stress of caring for a new baby, the lifestyle changes associated with a new baby are also factors which contribute to post partum depression. Women who do not have enough support from family and friends, women who have a history of depression, those facing financial difficulties, women who have had a difficult or unplanned pregnancy are also more prone to developing post partum depression.