Risk Factors for Postpartum depression
| About risk factors: Risk factors for Postpartum depression are factors that do not seem to be a direct cause of the disease, but seem to be associated in some way. Having a risk factor for Postpartum depression makes the chances of getting a condition higher but does not always lead to Postpartum depression. Also, the absence of any risk factors or having a protective factor does not necessarily guard you against getting Postpartum depression. For general information and a list of risk factors, see the risk center. |
Risk factor list: The list of risk factors mentioned for Postpartum depression in various sources includes:
- Pregnancy - any pregnancy, not just the first baby.
- Miscarriage
- Weaning from breastfeeding
- History of mood disorders
- History of depression
- History of postpartum depression
- Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Non-supportive partner
- Stress
- Bipolar disorder
- Insufficient rest
- Cesarean delivery
Risk factors discussion: Any woman who is pregnant, had a baby within the past several months, miscarried, or recently weaned a child from breastfeeding can suffer from postpartum depression. A woman can have this condition regardless of her age, socioeconomic status, or the number of children she has borne . 1
Postpartum depression is more likely to occur if a woman had any of the following: 1
Women with bipolar disorder are at particularly high risk for a postpartum episode. If they have stopped medication during pregnancy, they may want to resume their medication just prior to delivery or shortly thereafter. They will also need to be especially careful to maintain their normal sleep-wake cycle. Women who have histories of depression should be checked for recurrent depression or postpartum depression during the months after the birth of a child.2
Risks factors for Postpartum depression: medical news summaries: The following medical news items are relevant to risk factors for Postpartum depression:
- Certain factors can increase the risk of postpartum depression
- Depression and anxiety following birth may be reduced by iron supplementation
- Risk factors for postnatal depression defined
Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Postpartum Depression Fact Sheet: NWHIC
2. excerpt from Medications: NIMH
Last revision: May 26, 2003
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