Can postpartum depression be prevented?

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Lai Thi Nguyet Hang - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.

Postpartum depression is an emotional and psychological disorder of women after giving birth. The disease can range from mild to severe. The most dangerous is that the disease develops into extreme behavior that harms the mother or harms the child. Therefore, it is extremely important to take measures to prevent postpartum depression from the time the mother is not or is pregnant.

Postpartum depression occurs after a woman gives birth and often has feelings of sadness, emptiness, fatigue, anxiety, fear that her baby will be harmed or that she may harm the baby herself. These sensations can range from mild to severe.
On the other hand, postpartum depression is very common, but not all mothers are aware of their illness. If not detected and properly treated, postpartum depression can have unfortunate and life-threatening consequences for both mother and child.

Women with postpartum depression often have the following symptoms:
Feeling sad, sad for no reason, hopeless, empty. Therefore, women often cry, cry more than usual. Frequent insomnia: Restlessness, anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, not sleeping well or sleeping too much Frequently feeling anxious, sad, irritable, difficult to concentrate May form delusions, hallucinations, hallucinations, .. Not interested in themselves, seeing no longer the same hobbies as the old days. Fear of contact with others, alienation from relatives and friends, even unwillingness to be close to children. Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby appear.

Postpartum depression causes the following serious consequences:
The body is often tired, so it does not have enough energy and health to function, especially in caring for children. There is a higher risk of suicide. The most severe level of depression is self-destructive, the mother intends to commit suicide to free herself. At risk of killing her own child. The mother believes that her child is the cause of all sadness. If postpartum depression is left untreated, it can turn into a chronic depressive disorder and increase a woman's risk of future depression. For babies whose mothers have postpartum depression, they may face risks such as: delays in language development and learning problems, unusual or agitated behavior than normal children, and emotional upbringing. negative, difficult to adapt to the surrounding environment

Past experience of depression: Women with a history of depression before or during a previous pregnancy are at increased risk for postpartum depression. Sudden hormonal changes after giving birth. During pregnancy, levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone increase. During the first 24 hours after childbirth, hormone levels rapidly drop back to normal. This can be a cause of postpartum depression Low thyroid hormone levels after giving birth can also be a cause of depression. Poor health after giving birth. Women after giving birth have weaker health than usual. Physical pain (vulva pain due to cleavage during vaginal delivery or cesarean section pain due to cesarean section, uterine contraction pain...) can affect a woman's mood. Prolonged, unsupported pain makes women more irritable, resentful, and increases their distaste for everything, especially their babies. Lack of sleep, lack of nutrients, worrying too much. After giving birth, the mother has to take care of the baby, so she doesn't get enough sleep, doesn't eat enough nutrients, has low self-esteem about her body, skin... Pressure from family: Conflict in the family, pressure to care children, no one to help take care of children, domestic violence makes the incidence rate 5 times higher than other women. Not receiving the shared attention from the husband, as well as pressure from the husband's family. Difficult economic conditions, cramped or crowded living conditions, worries about financial problems,...

Prevention of postpartum depression needs to be done from the time of pregnancy in order to prepare mentally for the mother. These methods include:
5.1 Before giving birth General health check and prenatal screening to minimize the risk of postpartum depression, pregnant women should have regular health check-ups, carry out prenatal screening and assessment tests for early detection of depression. Supplement nutrition and lead a healthy lifestyle from pregnancy. Supplement with iron, folic acid, vitamins and minerals, drink plenty of water and eat a lot of fiber, avoid stimulant drinks. Take antenatal classes for husband and wife. These courses aim to equip women with general knowledge from how to stay healthy during pregnancy, what to prepare for when giving birth, how to give birth, how to take care of a newborn baby. .. 5.2 Postpartum Postpartum health check-up early to screen for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. Early detection leads to better treatment results. A healthy lifestyle includes physical activity such as walking with your baby daily, getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and avoiding alcohol. Do not put pressure on yourself about everything, need to think freely, share with family, relatives and friends. Try to open up to your loved ones and let them know you need help. Ask them to help with childcare, talk to your mother-in-law or mother about how to take care of the child. If there is a problem, it should be solved by friends and relatives.

Need to take time for yourself. Sometimes need to go out to shop and have fun with friends, so don't stay at home for too long. If someone takes care of your baby so you can rest, get some sleep, maybe watch a good movie. Exercise and light exercise, staying indoors too much will make your body more sluggish. At the same time, avoid husband and wife relations from 2-4 months after giving birth, depending on the recovery situation of the sisters. If your family has conditions, you can refer to the hourly maid service to help with the housework , helping mothers have more time to rest and take care of themselves. Talking to your baby while still in the womb not only strengthens the bond, but also makes you feel relaxed. The husband is the most important person in preventing postpartum depression. Husbands need to be close to and share their wives' thoughts and worries from pregnancy to the postpartum period. Always listen and sympathize, be a firm fulcrum to help your wife with housework so that she feels more cared for and loved. Whether postpartum depression can be cured depends very much on the time it is diagnosed. Therefore, please pay special attention to postpartum women to limit the risk of depression and unnecessary consequences.
Psychology Clinic - Vinmec International General Hospital officially came into operation in April 2019, has the function of examining, consulting and outpatient treatment of psychological problems and psychological health. With modern equipment, Vinmec Mental Health Clinic is currently cooperating with experienced professors and experts:
MSc. Doctor Nguyen Van Phi - Psychologist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 7 years of experience working as a lecturer in Psychiatry - Hanoi Medical University, Doctor Psychiatrist at Hanoi Medical University Hospital & Central Geriatric Hospital, and a member of the Vietnam Psychiatric Association. MSc. Dr. Pham Thanh Luan - Psychologist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 5 years of experience in research, examination and treatment of Psychiatric diseases, trained at prestigious universities trust, practice in-depth expertise in the French Republic. MSc. Doctor Nguyen Trong Hien - Psychologist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 6 years as a lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry - Hanoi Medical University and Central Geriatric Hospital, together with Dr. Experience in research, examination and treatment of diseases in Psychiatry such as: emotional disorders, stress-related disorders and body dysmorphic disorders, developmental disorders in children, adolescents & childbirth .... Along with the implementation of psychological tests, intensive psychotherapy for diagnosis and treatment, in order to bring the best medical examination and treatment effect.