Significance

According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 10 percent of women who have recently given birth experience postpartum depression.

Effects

Symptoms of postpartum depression include fatigue, sadness, anxiety, irritability, anger, mood swings, crying, difficulty concentrating and insomnia, reports Babycenter.com. Some women may have difficulty bonding with their new baby and/or have thoughts about harming the baby or themselves.

Emotions

Emotional problems---such as distress about a difficult delivery or feelings of inadequacy as a mother---may trigger postpartum depression.

Hormones

Childbirth brings about hormonal changes that can trigger postpartum depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, progesterone and estrogen levels drop significantly after delivery, and thyroid hormones may decrease, causing fatigue and depression.

Environment

Women may be at an increased risk of developing postpartum depression if they have an extremely fussy baby or if they do not have family support. Breast-feeding difficulties and sleep deprivation also can lead to postpartum depression, the Mayo Clinic says.

Treatment

Counseling, antidepressants and hormone therapy can treat postpartum depression.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Postpartum Depression

MedlinePlus: Postpartum Depression

Baby Center: Postpartum Depression