Pregnancy and childbirth can be a physically and emotionally taxing experience for mothers. Significant hormone drops sometimes affect mental health and potentially lead to postpartum depression. It’s important to identify the warning signs, according to the OB-GYN staff at Alaska Women’s Health PC in Anchorage, which is why they want to share several common symptoms. Recognizing these ensures you seek early treatment and regain your well-being.

How to Spot Postpartum Depression

1. Extreme Fatigue

Interrupted sleep is part of caring for a newborn, but when you find that you aren’t sleeping often and feel constantly fatigued, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. There are several patterns to look for: not sleeping when the baby sleeps; waking up and being unable to fall back asleep even if you’re tired; or regularly oversleeping. This will translate into daytime sluggishness and make it difficult to function. It’s important to speak with your OB-GYN, as increased sleep deprivation will only worsen mental health.

2. Fear of Motherhood

Experiencing brief bouts of the “Baby Blues” isn’t uncommon. Being responsible for another life can be a daunting prospect. However, when feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or the inability to care for your baby become an everyday occurrence, it signals postpartum depression. Conversely, some mothers begin to ignore or have little interest in their child. Reasons vary, so it’s prudent to see a mental health professional to identify the underlying cause.

3. Losing Interest in What You Enjoy

Whether it’s regularly passing on some of your favorite foods, not socializing, or neglecting a hobby, losing interest in what you used to enjoy often indicates depression. This shouldn’t be confused with lacking time for activities, as caring for a newborn is all-consuming. Rather, the issue is attributed to changes in mood, which may be correlated or due to hormonal imbalances.

Postpartum depression is an issue mothers can overcome to truly enjoy their newborn. If you need assistance, turn to the caring staff at Alaska Women’s Health PC. They offer both comprehensive obstetrics and family planning services and are dedicated to ensuring patients adjust well after childbirth. Call (907) 563-7228 today to schedule an appointment at the OB-GYN, and visit their website to learn more about their services.