Possible Causes of Postpartum Mood Disorders

• One factor may be the changes in hormone levels that occur during pregnancy and right after childbirth.
• When the experience of having a child does not live up to the mother's expectations, the stress that results can trigger a depression.
• Some studies report the age of the mother, expectations of motherhood, birthing practices and the amount of social support for the new mother as possible factors.
• One thing for sure is that women who had depression before becoming pregnant are at a higher risk for a postpartum mood disorder. Women in this situation should discuss this with their doctors so that they may receive appropriate treatment. 

• The amount of sick time taken from work during pregnancy and the number of extra medical consultations can be a warning sign. Women who have many doctor visits during their pregnancy and who also took many sick days are more likely to develop a postpartum mood disorder.
• Other factors, which may increase the risk of a postpartum mood disorder, are severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a difficult relationship with a partner or spouse, lack of a support network, and stressful events during the pregnancy or after delivery.

 References:

• Canadian Mental Health, 2003
• Sanford, D. Focal point on postnatal depression. International Childbirth Education Association. 2002 17(1).