On Mother’s Day, observed on Sunday, May 12, medical professionals emphasized the critical importance of providing support to mothers, as more than 20 percent experience stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression, posing risks to both maternal and child well-being.
Postpartum depression, a prevalent yet treatable medical condition, manifests as feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fatigue following childbirth. Its etiology is multifactorial, stemming from genetic predispositions, hormonal fluctuations, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and the challenges associated with assuming maternal roles.
According to Dr. Saurabh Mehrotra, Associate Director of Psychiatry at the Institute of Neurosciences, Medanta, Gurugram, the journey to parenthood presents couples with numerous challenges, impacting emotional well-being profoundly. Factors such as late pregnancies, assisted conception methods like IVF, and the burden of preterm deliveries contribute significantly to maternal mental health challenges.
Studies underscore the correlation between maternal mental illness during pregnancy and adverse outcomes, including preterm delivery and compromised neurodevelopment in infants.
At Medanta, approximately 70–80 percent of mothers experience postpartum blues, with 20 percent grappling with postpartum depression, necessitating comprehensive emotional support and holistic care throughout the perinatal period.
Symptoms of postpartum depression encompass insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Seeking help is pivotal for mothers experiencing postpartum blues, facilitating bonding with the baby.
However, if left untreated, postpartum depression can persist for several months or longer, according to Dr. Teji Dawane, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Whitefield, Bengaluru. Early detection through prenatal and postnatal screenings, coupled with professional support services like counseling and therapy, is crucial for effective management.
Treatment options may include antidepressant medication alongside creating a supportive family environment and fostering self-care practices for new parents.
