Perinatal predictors of postpartum depression

Abstract

Pregnancy is not only a period of immense pleasure for a woman; it is also a time of tremendous stress for her, both psychologically and physically. Even in healthy women, pregnancy can elicit a great deal of anxiety because of the uncertainty that arises with it. Obstetric complications related to pregnancy and deliveries affect the mother physically and mentally and are one of the prediction variables for postpartum depression. Obstetric factors include pregnancy related complications like hyperemesis, preeclampsia, eclampsia, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism,  early labour and contractions, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, placental abnormalities, anemia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and delivery-related complications, such as challenging and painful labor, caesarean section, instrumental delivery, premature delivery, and complicated postpartum-like excessive bleeding, have been researched as potential risk factors for PPD. For mothers, infant-related issues are often extremely stressful situations. PPD is more likely to occur among mothers of premature infants, mothers of infants with illnesses, disabilities, or distress, challenging temperaments, and mothers who may face stress in childcare and lack childcare competence.