From a medical point of view, certain etiologies put women at a greater risk of developing postpartum depression. These can be classified as follows.
Psychological: History of depression and anxiety, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Negative attitude towards the baby, the reluctance of baby gender, history of sexual abuse are perpetual factors for developing postpartum depression.
Obstetric risk factors: Risky pregnancy which includes emergency cesarean section and hospitalizations during pregnancy. Meconium passage, umbilical cord prolapse, preterm or low birth infant, and low hemoglobin are associated with PPD.
Social factors: Lack of social support can cause postpartum depression. Domestic violence in the form of spouse sexual and physical and verbal abuse can also be a causative factor in the development of the disease. Smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor for developing PPD.
Lifestyle: Eating habits, sleep cycle, physical activities, and exercise may affect postpartum depression. Vitamin B6 has known to be involved in postpartum depression via its conversion to tryptophan and later on serotonin, which, in turn, affects mood. The sleep cycle is among the factors influencing the risk of depression. Decreased sleep is associated with postpartum depression. Physical activity and exercise decrease depressive symptoms. Exercise decreases low self-esteem caused by depression. Exercise increases endogenous endorphins and opioids which brings positive effects on mental health. This also improves self-confidence and increases problem-solving capacity and helps in focusing on their surrounding environment.
I'd like to add one thing to Affra Iftikhar's answer. Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy can also cause postpartum depression. According to the research done by John Hopkin: decrease levels of the hormone allopregnanolone in the second trimester of pregnancy is related to a high chance of developing PPD.
Hey Elvi!
From a medical point of view, certain etiologies put women at a greater risk of developing postpartum depression. These can be classified as follows.
Psychological: History of depression and anxiety, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Negative attitude towards the baby, the reluctance of baby gender, history of sexual abuse are perpetual factors for developing postpartum depression.
Obstetric risk factors: Risky pregnancy which includes emergency cesarean section and hospitalizations during pregnancy. Meconium passage, umbilical cord prolapse, preterm or low birth infant, and low hemoglobin are associated with PPD.
Social factors: Lack of social support can cause postpartum depression. Domestic violence in the form of spouse sexual and physical and verbal abuse can also be a causative factor in the development of the disease. Smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor for developing PPD.
Lifestyle: Eating habits, sleep cycle, physical activities, and exercise may affect postpartum depression. Vitamin B6 has known to be involved in postpartum depression via its conversion to tryptophan and later on serotonin, which, in turn, affects mood. The sleep cycle is among the factors influencing the risk of depression. Decreased sleep is associated with postpartum depression. Physical activity and exercise decrease depressive symptoms. Exercise decreases low self-esteem caused by depression. Exercise increases endogenous endorphins and opioids which brings positive effects on mental health. This also improves self-confidence and increases problem-solving capacity and helps in focusing on their surrounding environment.
Thank you!
I'd like to add one thing to Affra Iftikhar's answer. Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy can also cause postpartum depression. According to the research done by John Hopkin: decrease levels of the hormone allopregnanolone in the second trimester of pregnancy is related to a high chance of developing PPD.