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.

Gonima, Camilo A., MD
The Institute for Women’s Health

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/is-it-just-the-baby-blues/

References:

New York State Department of Health:https://www.health.ny.gov/community/pregnancy/health_care/perinatal/maternal_factsheet.htm

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mommy-mental-health/200902/baby-blues-or-postpartum-depression

American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/depression/postpartum.aspx

The Facts Behind Embarrassing Women’s Health Problems

Women face many health problems that might be too embarrassing to discuss with friends or even their doctors. No matter what you’re going through, chances are most women experience it at one point or another too. Your OB/GYN is probably familiar with these embarrassing conditions and can help you find relief. Here we explain some common embarrassing problems that you might be experiencing.

Help! Why Am I Leaking?

Urinary incontinence is a very common problem among aging women, but can affect younger women as well. There are many reasons it happens and can range from leaking a few drops when laughing or exercising, having a frequent urge to urinate, or leaking large amounts. In older women, the pelvic muscles become weak and have less control due to childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, and aging. In other cases, health conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, or stroke can damage the nerves that control urinary impulses and control. Urinary tract infections or drinking too many diuretic drinks, like green tea, can also be a culprit.

The good news is that there are many solutions to this embarrassing problem. The first step is to schedule a visit with your OB/GYN to determine the root cause and find a way to resolve it.

Why Do I Smell Fishy?

Have you noticed that you have a fishy smell recently? You might be suffering from bacterial vaginosis, an infection that is caused by an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in your vagina. Besides a “fishy” odor, BV can also cause pain, burning, itching, and white or gray discharge – but around 84% or women who suffer from this infection report no symptoms at all. Although it can be very embarrassing, it’s a very common condition – affecting 29.2% of women between 14 and 29 years of age in the United States each year. Having multiple sexual partners can increase the amount of harmful bacteria leading to BV. Pregnant women should be even more careful about BV since it can cause premature delivery and low birth weight. Bacterial Vaginosis can be treated quickly with medication and the odor will go away.

Why Do I Bleed So Much?

Do you have to switch your pad or tampon more than six or seven times a day? Does your period last more than seven days? Do you often stain your bed or clothes? Do you get very painful cramps? All of these can be symptoms of heavy menstruation, or menorrhagia. Although it’s common, heavy bleeding is considered abnormal and should be checked by an OB/GYN. The cause can range from hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, noncancerous cysts, or malignant growths. It’s important to get checked and get treatment right away to prevent more serious problems or before the loss of blood leads to anemia.

Gonima, Camilo A., MD
The Institute for Women’s Health

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/the-facts-behind-embarrassing-womens-health-problems/