Various factors are associated with a higher risk for Postpartum depression. These factors are delineated in a narrative review by Ghaedrahmati et al [1].
You may read this article for more information about other Postnatal Mental Conditions.
Factors Causing Higher Risk of Post Partum Depression:
Psychological Risk Factors:
- Previous history of depression and anxiety
- The occurrence of mental health disorders such as depression during pregnancy
- A negative attitude toward the recent pregnancy, number of life events
- History of sexual abuse in the past
- The reluctance of the baby gender
- Having low self-esteem with the impact on parenting stress etc.
Obstetric Risk Factors:
- Multiparity (having borne more than 1 child)
- Risky pregnancy—conditions that lead to emergency cesarean section or hospitalization during pregnancy
- Postpartum complications— meconium passage, umbilical cord prolapse, and obstetric hemorrhages
- The birth of an infant with a weight <1500 g.
Biological Risk factors:
- Young age
- Glucose metabolism disorders etc.
Social Risk Factors:
- Spouse sexual violence
- Other forms of domestic violence during pregnancy
- smoking during prenatal period etc.
Lifestyle Risk Factors:
- Reduced intake of zinc and selenium
- Less sleep etc.
Reference:
[1] Ghaedrahmati M, Kazemi A, Kheirabadi G, Ebrahimi A, Bahrami M. Postpartum depression risk factors: A narrative review. J Educ Health Promot. 2017;6:60. Published 2017 Aug 9. doi:10.4103/jehp.jehp916
