According to a recent study done in Finland, the fear of childbirth may triple the increase of postpartum depression. This was revealed after a study was done on 500 000 mothers in Finland. The results of the study were published in the BMJ and it is hoped that this new information will help health care providers recognise and treat postpartum depression early. The risk of postpartum depression was not identified in other groups.
The fear of childbirth was diagnosed in pre-natal women and postpartum depression was diagnosed at 0.3% of all mothers studied between years 2000-2010. However, the risk of postpartum depression was highest after the delivery of the first child. The study also indicated that around one-third of women who were diagnosed with postpartum depression had no history of depression.
Women with a known history of depression have a higher risk for postpartum depression and as many as 50 -80% of women suffer mild depression while others develop postpartum depression, some experiencing severe and psychotic depression the study indicated.
The study relied heavily on diagnostic-based evidence and data on postpartum depression. Other risk factors included premature childbirth, major congenital issues and caesarean section.
Postpartum depression usually begins in the first few months after childbirth. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition , postpartum depression is defined as depression which presents within 4 weeks after childbirth. Postpartum depression may also affect women who have suffered a miscarriage. It usually begins around two weeks after childbirth and may also last up to several months or even a year. Postpartum depression requires profession treatment and interventions since it can be quite debilitating and psychologists have indicated that it may also affect the well-being of the child.
