Showing posts with label care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label care. Show all posts

Tuesday 2 August 2016

Is it Just the Baby Blues?

Having a baby should be the happiest time of your life, right? So why are you feeling sad and out of yourself the first few days after giving birth to your baby?
If you’re feeling irritable, sad, and find yourself crying often the first week or two after giving birth, you’re not alone. Up to 80 percent of new mothers experience weepiness, irritability, frustration, mood swings, vulnerability, forgetfulness, exhaustion, and stress for the first two weeks after delivering. This condition, known as the Baby Blues, will peak itself around five days after delivery and should resolve on its own in around ten days.
The problem is that during this time, new mothers are also at risk of developing Postpartum Depression (PPD), which according to the American Psychological Association affects between 9-16 percent of postpartum women. Unlike the Baby Blues, PPD is a serious condition that requires treatment. It’s important to know the difference so that you can get timely care if needed.
How can I distinguish PPD from the Baby Blues?
The number one differentiating factor is that PPD impairs your normal functioning, explains clinical psychologist, Shoshana Bennett in her Psychology Today article. Although you experience ups and downs with the Baby Blues, you should feel happy most of the time. On the other hand, women suffering from PPD have symptoms like loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, hopelessness, anger, low self-esteem, and deep sadness that keep them from being able to perform their daily activities.
Another big differentiating factor is time frame. Symptoms of the Baby Blues should only last for a few days and a maximum of two weeks. After that, it is considered Postpartum Depression. However, if symptoms are keeping a new mother from being able to perform her daily activities it is probably PPD even if it hasn’t been two weeks. Women with both conditions report feeling tired and overwhelmed but the major difference is that with the Baby Blues these feelings go away with rest or support from loved ones.
What should I do if I’m experiencing the Baby Blues?
Remind yourself that what you are feeling is normal and that it doesn’t make you a bad or unfit mother. Make sure you get plenty of rest and ask your partner or loved ones to provide support during this time. Talking to other new mothers who are going through the same thing can also help you feel better. It is important to talk about your experience with a trusted doctor, such as yourOB/GYN, who can reassure you that these feelings are normal and can let you know if it’s time to seek additional help.
What should I do if I’m experiencing Postpartum Depression?
If you suspect that you are suffering from PPD, seek professional help from a licensed counselor or psychologist. He or she can provide you with treatment options that will help you go back to your regular functioning and let you enjoy your new baby. Your OB/GYN can evaluate your symptoms and help you take the next steps toward recovery.
Keep in mind that there is a dangerous condition known as Postpartum Psychosis in which new mothers experience hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, and suicidal thoughts. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK or chat online athttp://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org (available 24/7) if you ever have thoughts of hurting yourself.
Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/is-it-just-the-baby-blues/
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Symptoms and Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms and Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect since its symptoms tend to be vague and similar to the symptoms of many other non-cancerous conditions. This can be dangerous, since many women will spend months visiting different kinds of physicians and never think of visiting an OB/GYN. It is important for all women to know the symptoms and to ask their doctors about their risk for ovarian cancer.
Early detection of ovarian cancer is key. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist the most common symptoms are:
  1. Bloating or increase in abdominal size
  2. Pelvic or abdominal pain
  3. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
If any of those symptoms persist for more than two weeks, are frequent or get worsen over time, it is highly recommended that you visit an OB/GYN. Additional symptoms, include fatigue, upset stomach, back pain, pain during sex, constipation, menstrual changes, abdominal swelling with weight loss and urinary symptoms such as urgency or frequency.
The overall 5 year survival for ovarian cancer is 45%. The main reason this number is so low is because most women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at more advanced stages, when the cancer has spread. Chances for survival are increased if ovarian cancer is detected at an earlier stage. Early detection can be difficult, but having a yearly pelvic exam and discussing your risks factors for ovarian cancer with your OB/GYN may help improve your chances for early detection.
Risks factors for ovarian cancer include age older than 55 years, family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, or endometrial cancer, personal history of breast cancer , genetic mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 , never having had children, infertility and endometriosis. There are some additional tests that your OB/GYN may order if you are considered high risk to help detect ovarian cancer early. If you or a woman you know could be at risk, it is extremely important you visit your OB/GYN to make sure you are getting checked properly and in a timely manner. If you have any additional questions or concerns please visit The Institute for Women’s Health.

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