Introduction
It is hard to disagree that, in most cases, giving birth and caring for newborns is a wonderful and happy process for parents. Unfortunately, the last months of pregnancy and the postpartum period can bring numerous complications for women, including physical and emotional issues. One such unpleasant condition is maternal depression, and statistics related to this problem are devastating. Thus, according to Clark (2019), approximately one in every seven postpartum or pregnant females suffers from anxiety disorders, apathy, and severe mood switches. Overall, maternal depression has rather negative consequences not only for new mothers themselves but also for their children, families, and society as a whole.
Defining Maternal Depression
Before exploring this condition’s symptoms, causes, and effects, it is essential to define it and provide some additional statistical facts to prove that awareness has to be spread about this problem. Overall, maternal depression is a severe state experienced by many women, regardless of their social status, income, ethnicity, or background (Clark, 2019). Several different types of maternal depression are recognized by medics, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. These types include prenatal depression, which lasts during pregnancy and can affect about 20% of women, and baby blues, which is developed in approximately 80% of new mothers (New York State Department of Health, 2015). Two other types are postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, with the latter being much more severe and dangerous.
The above paragraph mentions that one in seven females is at risk of developing this condition. Therefore, “with approximately 4 million live births occurring each year in the United States, this equates to almost 600,000 postpartum depression diagnoses” (Carberg, 2023, para. 3). A woman experiencing maternal depression can be unaware of this issue because many cases remain undiagnosed (Bergin & Bergin, 2018).
This fact makes it possible for researchers to state that the prevalence of maternal depression is much higher than reported. To recover from this condition and reduce the negative impact of depression on themselves, their children, and society as a whole, mothers need to carefully monitor their condition before and immediately after childbirth (Bergin & Bergin, 2018). Since there are effective treatment options, they must contact specialists on time.
Symptoms and Signs
Several types of maternal depression are mentioned above, and now it is important to list their primary signs and symptoms. Overall, the flow of this medical condition differs in females depending on various factors, and a woman who has maternal depression may or may not experience most of its typical symptoms (Carberg, 2023). Firstly, the less severe type is known as baby blues, “which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022, para. 1).
Other signs are sadness, irritability, appetite issues, hopelessness, and others. However, many pregnant females and new mothers experience much more serious and dangerous symptoms. In addition to the signs mentioned for baby blues, maternal depression includes a lack of sleep or excessive sleeping, loss of energy, and fear that one is not or will not be a good mother (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022).
According to Bergin and Bergin (2018), it is also common to experience fatigue, extreme sadness and apathy, inability to communicate with family members, a desire to withdraw, no interest in daily activities, and anger. It is also required to mention quite dangerous signs of depression in mothers, such as “anxiety manifested as bizarre thoughts and fears, such as obsessive thoughts of harm to the baby” (New York State Department of Health, 2015, para. 3).
Depressed mothers might feel no attachment to their newborns and refuse to take proper care of themselves and their children. In most severe cases, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and suicidal thoughts can appear (New York State Department of Health, 2015). Therefore, since these symptoms are quite disturbing, increased attention should be paid to preventing and addressing this condition.
Potential Causes and Risk Factors
Next, it should be interesting and informative to explore certain causes of maternal depression. Similar to major depressive disorder, this condition does not have a single reason but might develop due to different factors, including genetics, emotional problems, and physical changes experienced by mothers (Bergin & Bergin, 2018). Therefore, according to researchers, a family history of maternal depression, especially postpartum psychosis, makes it more likely for a female to develop it as well (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022).
Furthermore, many women are anxious, sad, and nervous during pregnancy and right after giving birth; they might have lower self-esteem because of physical changes or believe that caring for a baby is too challenging for them. A lack of sleep, finances, or support from others can contribute to emotional problems that eventually cause maternal depression. Hormones also play a role in mothers’ conditions, and a dramatic drop in progesterone and estrogen can contribute to the development of depression (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2022). Interestingly, anemia is associated with a higher risk of maternal depression (Kang et al., 2020). This is why mothers-to-be need to carefully monitor the amount of their healthy red blood cells and their overall health and emotional state.
Causality of Genetics vs. Socioeconomics
I believe that both genetics and social factors cause maternal depression. Considering the information provided in the previous section, it is essential to clarify that maternal depression can develop not only due to genetics but also because of adverse socioeconomic circumstances. Studies show that females might suffer from this condition regardless of their background (Clark, 2019).
However, women from low-income households or minority groups are more exposed to this concern. Bergin and Bergin (2018) say that “according to the family stress model, poverty is associated with conditions that stress parents, such as lack of food, single parenthood, divorce, frequent moves, and job loss” (p. 32). Poor education makes women less informed and careful about their health and the need to prepare for having a baby, and this lack of awareness increases the risk of developing maternal depression. Therefore, the stress caused by being a single mother, having no access to high-quality medical services, and facing discrimination or abuse can cause maternal depression even if there is no family history of this medical state.
Impact on Mothers and Children
In most cases, this type of depression decreases the quality of life and worsens relationships within the family. As stated by Bergin and Bergin (2018), many females with maternal depression cannot care for themselves or their newborns, and this period becomes highly challenging to the family. Moreover, the first few weeks after giving birth are very important for establishing close contact and attachment between the mother and her baby (Śliwerski et al., 2020).
Unfortunately, depressed women may fail to feel warmth and tenderness for their newborns, which prevents the necessary connection between them (Clark, 2019). This can adversely affect the child, causing specific cognitive and biological problems (Bergin & Bergin, 2018). They are poor sleep, decreased language ability, abnormal brain functioning, high heart rate, limited play and engagement, behavior concerns, and low self-esteem.
Efforts to Improve the Condition
I believe that certain interventions and programs are required to address the high prevalence of maternal depression, spread awareness, and help those women who experience severe symptoms. Firstly, society needs to make talking about this condition a normal and appreciated practice so women who experience it do not feel pressure or guilt (Śliwerski et al., 2020). Then, medical professionals have to inform mothers-to-be about the possibility of developing depression and persuade them to seek support if needed (Carberg, 2023). Lastly, programs like the one prepared by the Health Resources and Services Administration (2021) should be promoted among women. In this case, more females will be informed about maternal depression, the condition will become more diagnosed, and it will be easier for healthcare professionals to address it.
Conclusion
To conclude, maternal depression is indeed a severe medical condition that should not be stigmatized but needs to be treated by medical professionals. While symptoms vary, most females with this issue experience sadness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and a lack of attachment to their newborns. Physical, emotional, and genetic factors can cause this condition. At the same time, socioeconomic factors might also play a great role in the development of maternal depression. Effective interventions and increased attention from doctors can help address the concern.
References
Bergin, C. C., & Bergin, D. A. (2018). Child and adolescent development in your classroom (3rd ed.). Cengage Learning.
Carberg, J. (2023). Postpartum depression statistics. Postpartum Depression. Web.
Clark, M. (2019). Maternal depression costs society billions each year, new model finds. Georgetown University. Web.
Health Resources and Services Administration. (2021). Screening and treatment for maternal depression and related behavioral disorders program (MDRBD). MCHB. Web.
Kang, S. Y., Kim, H. B., & Sunwoo, S. (2020). Association between anemia and maternal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 122, 88-96. Web.
New York State Department of Health. (2015). What is maternal depression? Web.
Śliwerski, A., Kossakowska, K., Jarecka, K., Świtalska, J., & Bielawska-Batorowicz, E. (2020). The effect of maternal depression on infant attachment: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(8), 2675. Web.