The following subjects are covered on this page.
Postnatal Depression, How To Tell If Labour Has Begun,
How To Tell If Labour Has Begun
Postnatal Depression
Symptons
1. Feeling despondent
2. Hopeless and terribly tired
3. Anxiety, panic attacks,
4. insomnia
(PND) Postnatal Depression is a very common problem after giving birth. There are three main types:- POSTNATAL DEPRESSION Postnatal depression is more serious than most people believe, and affects roughly one out of every 10 women.
It can follow from the baby blues, but often begins a few weeks later, when you are at home trying to cope with being a mother.
These are all signs that you might have Postnatal depression.
THE BABY BLUES About half of all new mothers have a short period of baby blues, they may feel mild depression when they feel upset, emotional and tearful and for no apparent reason.
It usually surfaces around the third to fifth day after childbirth and starts to lift within a week or so.
PUERPERAL PSYCHOSIS
Puerperal psychosis is the most severe form of postnatal depression. It affects about one in every 500 new mothers, and starts suddenly within the first ten days of giving birth.
Some women become very excited and overactive, while other women get seriously low and slump into a state of confusion.
Hallucinations and delusions can also occur, usually that people are trying to harm the mother or her baby.
There are no single answers to what causes the above-mentioned types of PND, doctors just don't know why some women fall prey to the illness, while other women escape. Probably a number of factors conspire to trigger it. PND is certainly related to the huge hormonal upheaval after childbirth, when oestrogen and progesterone levels plunge. It is possible that some women are sensative to these changes in their bodies. Other factors could be a history of depression, or difficult delivery, or premature or sick baby, also lack of support from a partner, money, work or even housing worries could all be factors.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR:-
1. Inability to cope 2. Sadness and frequent crying 3. General anxiety 4. Panic attacks 5. Constant tension and irritablity 6. Feeling tired all the time 7. Difficulty concentrating 8. Trouble sleeping 9. Loss of appetite
HOW DO YOU TREAT IT? Women who have PND can get better, if they accept help.
Support and assistance with child care may be all that is required, to ward of the baby blues. Sometimes counselling may be advised.
The most commonly offered medical treatment is antidepressants, although taking oestrogen or progesterone can also be very beneficial. In severe cases a hosptial stay may become necessary.
HOW TO HELP YOURSELF! 1. Be aware that you may get the blues sometime after having your baby.
2. Make sure you get enough rest and plenty of nourishing food.
3. If you have three or more PND symtoms, contact your GP, or talk to your Health Visitor. Never be ashamed to admit you are feeling down, or inadequate.
4. Don't try and do everything, you are not superwomen. You and your baby are your priority, the rest can wait.
5. If friends and family offer help, accept it. Don't try and struggle on your own.
6. PND is not your fault, so don't blame yourself.
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How To Tell If Labour Has Begun
Nine months is up, its been a long time, with mixed emotions, or excitement, and nerves, especially if your first pregnancy. You are just waiting now, for the big moment to happen, but how do you know when it has started.
Bloody show, this is a pinkish stain, which happens when your mucuc plug has come away. You may notice it on your knickers, or toilet paper.
Rupture of membranes, You may feel a slight trickle of fluid run down your legs, or you may bend down, and feel fluid gush from inside of your vagina, this indicates that your bag of water which contains your baby has been ruptured.
Regular contractions, that intensify you may feel contractions, you will know that they are not braxton hicks, they will be much stronger, the frequency will increase, and become more painful. They don't go away like braxton hicks, they intensify with physical activity.
Pain in lower, back you may have a pain in your lower back, this will be regular and intense pain, which radiates to your lower abdomen and sometimes to your legs.
Stomach cramps, you may find that you have diarrhea, you may feel a cramping sensation, feel hot and sweaty, and may need to use the toilet.
If you have any doubts about whether you are in labour or not contact your midwife, antenatal clinic, or your doctor. They will give you instructions to follow.
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Never use tampons when pregnant, or after birth, do not take baths, or have sex after your waters have broken, as this increases your chance of infection to yourself and baby. If you have any discharge which is a funny colour, i..e. greenish, brown, or gold in colour, funny smell, you must contact your doctor immediately, as your baby may be in fetal distress.
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