Risk factors for postpartum depression in the early postpartum period

Abstract

Introduction: Some psychosociodemographic and characteristics of pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with the onset of postpartum depression in the literature. Aim: To examine certain psychosociodemographic and characteristics of pregnancy and childbirth as potential risk factors for the onset of postpartum depression in the early postpartum period. Material and Methods: The study involved 120 subjects, which included the use of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and a sociodemographic questionnaire constructed for the purposes of this study, in the early postpartum period. Results: Of the total 92 (76.7%) subjects were not depressed, while 28 (23.3%) had depression. The high risk of postpartum depression correlates with: postpartum weight gain, subjective experience of lack of freedom, fear that she would be abandoned (p <0.05), as well as having frequent quarrels, mentioning a divorce or divorce, and a temporary separation, poor relationship with the parents on both sides and poor general family atmosphere (p <0.001). A statistically significant risk of depression was also found in the group with complications during childbirth, unplanned pregnancy (p <0.001), as well as alcohol and cigarette consumption during pregnancy (p <0.05). Conclusion: The risk of postpartum depression can be detected by applying the EPDS scale in the early postpartum period. Early detection of potential risk factors can significantly prevent the onset of postpartum depression and significantly affect the central psychological process in the postpartum period, which is related to the development of an emotional relationship between mother and child.

Keywords

• postpartum depression
• psychosociodemographic factors
• prevention