Post partum depression can occur after any delivery of pregnancy. This is also called peripartum depression. After the pregnancy, a woman experiences different hormonal changes in the body which can in turn trigger the symptoms of depression. A high amount of estrogen and progesterone remain in a patient's body the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery. The levels of hormone drop off very quickly which in theory can lead to depression. Even just small changes in the hormones affect a woman's mood.

Another factor that contributes to post partum depression is the decrease in the level of thyroid hormones after giving birth. The thyroid regulates the body's metabolism. Low thyroid levels can cause symptoms of depression. A simple blood test can show that this is really the cause of a woman's depression. If this is the cause, the doctor can prescribe thyroid medication.

Factors That Contribute to Post Partum Depression

Here are some factors that are determined to be the cause of post partum depression:

* The tired feeling after delivery followed by broken sleep patterns and not enough rest for new mothers. It takes a couple or more weeks for a new mother to regain all her strength.

* Feeling overwhelmed on being a new mother and having doubts in the ability of taking care of the baby.

* Feeling stress from the changes in work and home routines. Many women try their best to be the best mom and the perfect career woman. It is difficult to balance both at the same time.

* Having feelings of loss of identity, pre-pregnancy figure and feeling unattractive.

* Having less free time and less control of her time. This involves having to stay at home all day in order to take care of the baby and having less and less time to spend with her partner and friends.

The Symptoms of Post Partum Depression

If feeling these symptoms for longer than two weeks after pregnancy, then an individual may be having post partum depression:

* Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed at the same time.

* Crying a lot

* Having no energy or motivation

* Either eating too little or too much

* Having sleeping troubles

* Having trouble focusing, making decisions, or trying to remember things

* Feeling worthless and guilty

* Withdrawal from family and friends

* Having pains in the head or chest area, having heart palpitations and hyperventilation.

* Being afraid of hurting the baby or hurting yourself

* Having no interest in the baby

When you have these feelings, try to find remedy so that you can concentrate more on taking care of the baby. If you are having sleeping troubles try to get as much rest as you can and take naps when the baby naps. Stop putting pressure on yourself too. You can't do everything. Just do as much as you can and leave the rest. You can also ask for help when you are feeling tired. You should always give yourself a break. Give time to spend with your friends and husband too. You don't have to be with your baby all the time. With this, you can focus more in giving the baby the care that he or she needs. If these suggestions do not work, then please contact your Physician as soon as possible