Being a new mom can be exhausting. But if you have recently given birth and find yourself extremely fatigued, you may have an increased risk of developing postpartum depression, according to a recent study.
The Ohio State University study’s lead author, Elizabeth Corwin, notes that all new mothers are tired right after giving birth. This is actually beneficial because it helps women get the rest they need to recover from the physical and mental stress of childbirth. This fatigue usually passes within two weeks. However if it is persistent, according to the study, a women may be more likely to suffer from postpartum depression. The study found that fatigue and not stress or a previous history of depression was the greatest predictor of whether a woman would develop postpartum depression.
Researchers gathered women near the end of their third trimester. 31 women completed the study, all having full term, vaginal deliveries without complications. Researchers met with each participant at their home when the women were between 36 and 38 weeks pregnant. During this time the participants completed questionnaires on fatigue and stress. They were also asked about symptoms and any history of depression. Finally each mom-to-be provided a saliva sample which the researchers used to measure levels of cortisol, a hormone related to stress.
Participants were asked to call the researchers as soon as possible after giving birth. The researchers then visited the women on three separate occasions: seven days, two weeks and four weeks after delivery. During each visit the women filled out the same questionnaires and provided saliva samples.
After four weeks, 11 of the 31 women showed systems of depression and 10 of the 11 reported higher than normal levels of fatigue two weeks earlier.
Unfortunately, there is no standard way to screen for postpartum depression. Women are cautioned that if they feel extremely fatigued after giving birth, they should see their doctor immediately. Once diagnosed, treatment typically includes counseling or anti-depressants or a combination of both.