Risk Factors
Risk Factor for Postpartum Depression
History of clinical depression, anxiety or panic disorder, bipolar disease, eating disorders, or obsessive –compulsive disorder.
• Poor social support, meaning you have no one you can rely on for assistance or to share intimate thoughts and feelings with.
• Previous history of menstrual disorders, and difficulty becoming pregnant (sign of hormone imbalance).
• History of childhood abuse, including emotional, physical or sexual abuse.
• Multiple or serious stressful life events, such as difficulty in family relationships or at work, a recent move, a new job or other major change, financial problem.
• Chronic or frequent vaginal yeast infections, or frequent antibiotic or steroid use, causing yeast overgrowth in the bowels.
• Stopping breastfeeding soon after delivery, either by choice or because of adequate milk.
• High weight gain during pregnancy and poor weight loss after pregnancy.
• A traumatic birth experience, including unexpected cesarean section or the delivery of a preterm infant.
• Early discharge from the hospital (less than twenty- four to forty hours).
• Marital dissatisfaction.
• Lack of social support.
• Unwanted pregnancy.
