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Test for postpartum Depression Using Interactive Calculator


Postpartum depression after child birth is not uncommon and can affect 10 to 18 percent of all new mothers. The National Institute of Mental Health describes postpartum depression as a mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth explaining, "Mothers with postpartum depression experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that may make it difficult for them to complete daily care activities for themselves or for others." It usually appears within four weeks of childbirth and can last weeks, several months or up to a year.

Postpartum depression can be harmful to both mother and child. Untoward incidences where depressed mothers have killed their own child have been reported in the US and the UK. Medindia provides you with a screening tool to check for postpartum-depression. If you think you are suffering from such depression, seek advice of a psychiatrist or speak to your Gynaecologist immediately and start the treatment.

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

In the past 7 days:
1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things
2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things
3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong
4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason
5. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason
6. Things have been getting on top of me
7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping
8. I have felt sad or miserable
9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying
10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me
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Ten Must Know Facts about Depression after Child-Birth (or Postpartum Depression)

  1. Cause of depression after child-birth is unknown.
  2. Postpartum depression can affect about 1 in 9 women and in India it affects 1 in 8 women.
  3. Higher incidence is seen in women who are overweight or obese.
  4. Perineal tear (area around the vagina) during delivery may also be associated with Higher incidence.
  5. Any previous history of depression, anxiety or chronic pain puts a women at higher risk for postpartum depression.
  6. Poorly controlled pain after the delivery of the baby can increase the risk of postpartum depression.
  7. Women with postpartum depression were more likely to have delivered by C-section.
  8. The symptoms may be due to the large drop in the mother's estrogen levels following childbirth.
  9. Postpartum depression may result in lower rates of breastfeeding and poor bonding with the baby.
  10. Treatment includes psychotherapy and support telephone-based counselling or by a health visitor. Others interventions include omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and exercise.

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Recommended Readings on Post-Partum Depression

Postpartum Psychosis
What is Postpartum Psychosis? Find the facts of Puerperal (postpartum) psychosis including symptoms, causes, treatment, diagnosis, stages and more information
Postpartum Depression- A Major Concern Among Indian Women
Postpartum depression is a major health care condition that manifests in women a few weeks after childbirth.
How to Reduce Postpartum Depression After Delivery?
Better pain management measures following delivery can lower the risk of postpartum depression because poorly controlled pain might increase the risk of postpartum depression and associated complications.
Breastfeeding Status and Duration Affects Postpartum Depression Risk
Breastfeeding is a cost efficient and healthy behavior that decreases a woman's risk for postpartum depression.
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