What are the symptoms of maternal depression

Postpartum depression is a more common type of female mental illness. It is a series of changes in the body, mentality, and psychological state caused by changes in estrogen, psychological characteristics, and psychological state after a woman gives birth. So, what are the symptoms of depression in pregnant women?

What are the symptoms of depression in pregnant women

1. Change of mentality

The most prominent symptom of postpartum depression is long-term low mood, which is mainly manifested by sad expression, listlessness, drowsiness, easy tears and sobbing. Patients themselves may also be aware of abnormalities in their own mentality, but usually attribute them to others or the natural environment.

2. Changes in cognitive abilities

The patient lacks interest in daily activities, does not feel happy about various entertainment or happy things, and often feels insecure, guilty, and remorseful. I often feel that my mind is slow and it is difficult to think about problems. They always think negatively about things, lose confidence in life, feel that their future is bleak, fall into despair, feel that life is meaningless, and even attempt to commit suicide.

3. Changes in beliefs and personal behavior

The patient's self-esteem is reduced, he is unable to concentrate on his work, he is often passive and over-dependent, and his psychological problems lie in his unwillingness to take responsibility.

4. Physical symptoms

About 80% of the cases involved patients seeking help from doctors due to physical symptoms such as insomnia, headache, body pain, dizziness, tinnitus, etc.

Causes of postpartum depression

1. Perfectionist temperament

Women with perfectionist personalities have unrealistic expectations of being a mother after having a baby, and are unwilling to help when encountering difficulties. Therefore, they may not be able to adapt to being a new mother and feel great pressure.

2. Those who experience mood swings during pregnancy

Experiencing severe emotional upheavals during pregnancy, such as moving, the death of a loved one, or war can make pregnant women more susceptible to postpartum depression.

3. Endocrine changes

During pregnancy and childbirth, the body's endocrine environment undergoes significant changes, especially within 24 hours after giving birth. The drastic changes in female hormones in the body are the molecular biological basis for the occurrence of postpartum depression.

4. Genetic inheritance

There is a high prevalence of postpartum depression in pregnant women with a family history of mental illness, especially in pregnant women with a family history of depression, suggesting that family genetic inheritance may affect a woman's susceptibility genes to depression and her personality.

5. Body

Pregnant women with physical illnesses or disabilities may develop postpartum depression, especially infections and fevers, which may have a certain impact on the occurrence of postpartum depression. There are also susceptibility genes of central nervous system function, mentality and the influence of fitness information resource management and regulation system (such as dopamine), which may be related to the occurrence of postpartum depression.