The terms Post Natal Depression PND or Postnatal illnesses PNI are used as an umbrella term to describe a range of symptoms. For this reason it is so important to describe your symptoms carefully when telling your doctor.
The symptoms suffered typically fall into the following categories:
- Depression
- Post Natal Stress Disorder
- Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive
- Behaviour/Thoughts
There are varying degrees of PND which can range from mild to severe. It is thought that around 80% of all mothers experience the baby blues which normally improves within a few weeks, the symptoms include weepiness, sleeping difficulties and mood swings. Doctors suggest that the baby blues may be down to changes in hormone levels that happen after the birth, but others say it’s brought on by the experience of being in hospital. Although having the baby blues is distressing, it’s important to know that it clears up quickly, usually within a couple of weeks.
If the depression continues then it maybe Post Natal Depression, it is estimated that up to 50% of mothers experience some form of mild Post Natal Depression with between 10-20% experiencing the illness in its more severe form. 1-2% of mothers will develop Post Natal Psychosis which is different to Post Natal Depression and the most severe form.
