9 Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Alamo City Moms Blog is partnering with Clinical Trials of Texas to bring this important information about postpartum depression and a unique opportunity to our ACMB readers. This is a sponsored post.  

While as much as 80% of women may experience “baby blues” in the days or weeks after the birth of a child, postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that lasts much longer and interrupts life on a much grander scale. It can be debilitating for new moms.

It’s important to remember that postpartum depression is no one’s fault and doesn’t indicate whether someone is/isn’t a good mother. Instead, it’s a complication of giving birth: a severe type of depression.

Postpartum depression can be recognized by the following symptoms:

  1. Feeling sad, hopeless, or overwhelmed
  2. Difficulty bonding with the baby
  3. Loss of interest in activities
  4. Eating too much or too little
  5. Neglecting self-care (not bathing, combing hair, etc.)
  6. Insomnia or sleeping too much
  7. Severe anxiety and panic attacks
  8. Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby
  9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Women at risk of postpartum depression include those who:

  • Experienced PPD during a previous pregnancy
  • Had a stressful life event during pregnancy
  • Lack strong emotional support from a partner or spouse

While “baby blues” can result in crying, sadness, reduced concentration, and difficulty sleeping anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, postpartum depression is more severe and lasts longer. The symptoms can begin before the birth of the baby and last up to a year after birth.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

Although there is not a single cause of postpartum depression, there are certain factors that may contribute, such as:

  • Hormonal changes (estrogen and progesterone)
  • Emotional issues such as anxiety about being a new parent, image issues, and sleep deprivation

Research

Clinical Trials of Texas, Inc. (CTT) is currently enrolling for multiple paid postpartum depression research studies. Kay Scroggins, RN, CCRC, founded CTT in 2001. She has been in the clinical research industry for more than 20 years. Kay was honored in 2015 by the San Antonio Business Journal with a “C-Suite Award for Small/Midsize Companies.” She also was honored as a “2018 Woman Business Owner of the Year.” Kay’s vision to successfully conduct pharmaceutical and device research studies with integrity and exceptional quality is realized today through the outstanding group of research professionals and investigators affiliated with CTT.

CTT has a highly-equipped and versatile 19,000-sq. ft. facility capable of conducting Early Phase–Phase IV studies in a multitude of therapeutic areas. Its Medical Director, Douglas Denham, DO, CPI, along with 16 other board-certified physicians who practice in the San Antonio area, work with CTT to conduct studies in their respective medical specialties. This network of investigators has helped create one of the largest and most capable research sites in the United States.

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