"Post-partum depression and possible implications on infant's health"

Abstract

Post-partum depression (PPD) is a complex psychological disease associated with childbirth, which can negatively affect the mother and the infant too. Pregnancy is a complex and special period in woman’s life that presents a number of challenges and changes. Pregnant women have to face the changes that occur in their body and in their behavior, as well as to prepare for the changes that will occur in their reality after delivery. All of these conditions are causes of stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. After birth, changes as well as, emotional and psychological pressure are stronger and depressive symptoms are more likely to occur. The occurrence of depressive symptoms during this period is known as post-partum depression and affects about 20% of women. PPD is a severe disease that requires attention and women suffering constant monitoring. PPD must be treated immediately, with either psychotherapy or medication, and of course, the support of family is necessary.

For this situation, hormonal as well as, genetic and epigenetic factors have been implicated. Hormonal changes play a critical role in developing depressive symptoms. Moreover, stressful experiences and genetic polymorphisms are predisposing factors for depressive symptoms. Early adverse environment, low birth weight and early infection are regarded as stress factors that affect the fetal development. Genetic and epigenetic changes, as well as early adverse environment could affect the infant. These effects are usually transient, but there are cases that the infant still does not have the normal expected behavior even though the appropriate environment. In this situation, the infant have influenced much more and this may be characterize it later in life.

PAPADOPOULOU Zoi