It has been found that experiencing as little as one complication can increase the risk the condition and is further heightened the more that things go wrong.
Post-natal depression is a condition which typically occurs within the first three months after delivery and is characterised by symptoms such as periods of depression and finding it difficult to bond with the newborn. Approximately one in 10 pregnant women will experience this at some point and this latest research is bringing us closer to understanding why.
The Dutch research team analysed data from 5,000 pregnant women and found that those admitted to hospital during their pregnancy stood almost twice the risk of post-natal depression than those who did not visit hospital until the time of delivery.
The study was publish in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and also noted that an emergency Caesarean section increased the risk of post-natal depression by 1.5 times.
Co-author of the study Pauline Jansen has said: “Our study showed that various complications during pregnancy and delivery are associated with an increased risk of postpartum depression in women two months after giving birth.”
If you are concerned you may be suffering from post-natal depression or any other form of depression then please visit your GP who will be able to provide you with help and advice. You may also find it helpful to talk to a counsellor in confidence about what you are going through and if you would like to do so please visit the homepage of this site where you can search for a qualified counsellor in your area.