Post-Natal Blues

It is fairly common for mother to feel anxious, weepy, angry, depressed, restless or guilty within the first few weeks after birth. This is because of big fluctuations of pregnancy hormones after the birth. Fortunately, with good emotional and physical support from the husband and family, most women recover within a week or two. The patient should express her feeling to her husband and the obstetrician. Reassurance and support will help her through this transient period.

If the mood swing lasts longer than few weeks or if close relatives or husband notice that the patient is depressed, immediate medical help should be sought as she may be suffering from post-partum depression. She is usually over-anxious about how to look after the baby, or obsessively worried about the baby getting hurt. As a result she will be so exhausted that she does not know or cannot bear to look after the child. Insomnia (unable to sleep) becomes very common and the patient may have a nervous breakdown.

A more severe form of behavioral and mood changes is called postpartum psychosis. Hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and fears of being a threat to the newborn are the symptoms. Urgent medical help is needed.