Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Postpartum depression

According to research immediately after birth in 50-75% of women in one form or another occurs postpartum depression. Most of her symptoms were mild and of short duration, depression manifests itself in the short-term emotional instability - the tendency to groundless crying and mood swings.

Severe form of perinatal depression, better known as postpartum, occurs in 10-15% of primiparous mothers. Doctors relatively recently drew attention to the pervasiveness of this condition. And it turned out that it is curable!

Do I have the risk of postpartum depression?

Answer the questions below, and read the information on this disease often silenced.

* Do you have trouble sleeping?
* Do you have inexplicable bouts of agitation, anxiety or panic during the day?
* How often do you cry for no good reason?
* Did you ever have trouble concentrating?
* Worried you because of lack of confidence or low self-esteem?
* Sometimes you have sudden fluctuations in appetite?
* Indicates whether you have diminished interest in things that previously seemed to be attractive to you?
* Is there a misunderstanding between you and your partner (spouse)?
* Do you have a sense of helplessness, hopelessness and the inability to resist the circumstances?
* Sometimes you have unreasonable fears about the health of your child? Do you constantly worry that something goes wrong?
* Sometimes you have a feeling that you lose control and go mad?
* Have you ever thought about harming the child or herself?

By this test is not the key. In truth, tools for the diagnosis of postpartum depression did not exist. Even one "yes" answer indicates a potential risk of developing postpartum depression.

If you suspect a post-natal depression should immediately consult a doctor. Recognition of the disease - is the first step towards recovery.

Causes of postpartum depression

On postpartum depression has been known since ancient times. In 700 BC. e. Hippocrates is described in detail the emotional problems associated with childbirth. Unfortunately, doctors long studied this issue and even refused to recognize her. Until now, there is no consensus on the definition of postpartum depression and the classification of the disease.

The exact cause of postpartum depression is still unknown. Perhaps it is associated with significant biochemical changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The situation is aggravated social and psychological changes. All together it creates the preconditions for the development of postpartum depression.

Risk factors for postpartum depression:

* Problems in Marriage
* Lack of or lack of social support
* Heavy previous childbirth
* Depression after the previous birth
* Stress or unpleasant events during pregnancy (death of parents or close relatives, moved to a new place of residence), depression or mood swings after the previous birth.
* Depression during pregnancy
* Early discharge from hospital after childbirth
* Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in history.

Other factors also can not be discounted.

Hormonal changes. During pregnancy, levels of female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone increases tenfold. After birth, the number of these hormones rapidly drops and reaches a normal level within 72 hours. Some studies have shown the relationship between the abrupt changes of hormonal background and development of postpartum depression.

Recently, scientists turned their attention to the relationship between the development of depression and the level of the hormone prolactin, which decreased during birth, but rises sharply in the first weeks after the child into the world.

In the postpartum period there was also change the level of adrenal hormones - cortisol and aldosterone. The researchers believe that there is a relationship between these changes and post-natal mood swings in women. Some scholars point to the relationship between postpartum depression and premenstrual syndrome. What more pronounced in women symptoms of PMS, the stronger the postpartum depression.

Stress. The appearance of the child to light due to the tremendous joy and excitement. No young mother before birth did not understand what the load on it will fall. In the first weeks after birth during the emotional recovery is often followed by periods of recession and emotional thoughts of their own inadequacy in the new role.

Physical fatigue, restless sleep, colic in children, social isolation after birth exacerbate the problem. By itself, none of these factors can cause depression, but the combination of mental and social factors play a big role.

Susceptibility to depression. The probability of developing postpartum depression is increased if a woman is prone to such states. Studies have shown that approximately one-third of women experiencing depression in the past, developing postpartum depression. Half the women who suffered from depression after the first birth, it is able to develop well after the birth of second and subsequent children.

Although some causes of postpartum depression has been established, researchers continue to explore its role in the occurrence of brain neurotransmitters (they directly affect the mood and depend on the hormonal background and situational factors).

How to recognize postpartum depression

Since most women after giving birth to one degree or another are experiencing depression, a serious form of the disease often goes unnoticed. By postpartum depression should be taken seriously. This is difficult (although curable) disease - such as diabetes, hypertension and other conditions requiring medical intervention.

Postpartum mood swings, from the standpoint of symptoms, conventionally divided into three groups, although their boundaries are blurred.

Postpartum depression

Tosca is different from postpartum depression that usually it takes place within a few weeks and does not lead to a crisis situation, when a woman is unable to fulfill their maternal duties. Tosca usually appears during the first week after birth and is expressed in the sense of sadness and depression, emotional instability, tearfulness and exhaustion. These sensations are usually associated with a sharp emotional downturn after an exciting stage of labor. Postpartum depression usually resolves itself and does not require special treatment.

Postpartum depression

Although emotionally unstable after birth celebrated in the majority of women, some symptoms are so severe that lead to the inability to perform daily activities. Postpartum depression can develop at any time during the first year of life, and without treatment lasts for several years.

Identify post-natal depression helps introspection. Women who experience postpartum depression often describe their condition with the following terms:

* Extreme fatigue, lethargy and tiredness
* The feeling of sadness, hopelessness and suffering
* Sleep disturbances
* Changes in appetite
* Strong emotion, fear and panic throughout the day
* The inability to solve everyday problems
* Unreasonable concern for the child
* Thoughts of harming yourself or your child

Postpartum psychosis

This is a relatively rare disease, which may occur in the first few weeks after birth. It is characterized by strong emotion, anxiety and an inability to take care of herself and the child. Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical intervention.

Treatment of postpartum depression

The tactics of treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms. A qualified specialist will help to cope with both light and heavy issues.

The first and most important thing to do is see a doctor who is familiar with the problems of post-natal depression. At the initial stage is also important to exclude the presence of thyroid disease and anemia.

The therapist may provide women with substantial assistance in identifying the factors that provoke depression. Perhaps an individual or family counseling, as well as contacts with support groups with women who have experienced a similar frustration.

Treatment with antidepressants and sedatives used individually and only after the doctor weigh the possible risks and benefits of medicines. In the appointment of drugs accounted for comorbidity, the selected type of feeding and side effects of medication.

There are more and more supporters that the treatment of postpartum depression should be complemented by measures of prevention. Recent studies have shown that to prevent the emotional swings in the postpartum period can do the following:

* Marked acquainted with the duties of motherhood, to get as much information on this topic.
* Enlist the support of a spouse, partner, friends and relatives. Support is urgently needed in the early days after birth.
* Establish communication with other families with young children.
* Try to take more rest and sleep, not overburden yourself chores. It is better to mitigate the usual standards for cleaning and cooking.
* Do not give up the usual interests and activities, to continue to communicate with friends and colleagues.
* Think about yourself, do not be burdened with caring for other family members and others at this time.
* Sharing concerns with her husband.
* Do not plan for serious cases (moving, changing jobs) in the period immediately after birth.
* As soon as possible to hire a responsible and experienced nanny. Ability to occasionally be out of their own affairs is very important.
* Find a good doctor for your child and do not hesitate to contact him as needed.
Rx Texas

Artificial feeding

Pediatricians recommend that the first six months after birth, breast feed, but it is not always possible. Alternative is to bottle-feeding - feeding baby formula from a bottle. If you feed a child this way, you have to take some important decisions.

What mixture to use?

The child can not properly digest cow's milk, so it does not replace a mother's milk. Breastfeed your baby special feeds. But first, consult a physician because There are different kinds of mixtures.

* Mixtures based on milk - the most common. For artificial feeding their choice in 80% of cases. These mixtures are made from cow's milk, processed in such a way that it becomes a safe and useful for the child. Typically, a mixture enriched with vitamins and microelements, in particular, they added iron.
* Mixtures of soy-based - Some of the children is allergic to milk, or their stomach can not digest lactose, which is contained in milk formula. In such cases, pediatricians recommend a mixture of soy-based.
* Special mix - If the child is born prematurely, with congenital metabolic disorders or diseases, then he may need a special mix designed specifically for these cases.

The mixtures are produced in several forms. Some more convenient, but other less expensive.

* Ready-to-eat mixes - the most expensive, but at the same time the most convenient and easy to use. Sold in sterile 4 or 8-ounce disposable bottles (120 and 240 ml). It remains to wear a sterile bottle and you can feed the baby.
* Ready-to-transfusion - This liquid mixtures, which are sold in metal cans of various sizes. Enough to pour them into a sterile bottle and put a sterile nipple.
* In the form of concentrate or powder - This is the cheapest of the mixture. May be both liquid and powder form. Sold in packages or banks, calculated on one feeding. We must take a sterile bottle, dilute the concentrate or powder with boiled water, then put on a sterile nipple. If you are using a mixture of this type, carefully measure out the amount of concentrate and water, so your child gets the right amount of nutrients.

Remains of ready mix can be stored in the refrigerator no longer than 24 hours.

How best to heat the mixture?

Most infants safely drink the mixture at room temperature. If your child prefers a warm mixture, heat it under running hot water. To check the temperature, can be sprinkled a few drops on your wrist. Do not use a microwave oven, because liquid in it is heated unevenly (bottle may seem warm, but the liquid inside obzhzhet baby's mouth and throat).

Which bottles and nipples to use?

There are three types of bottles: glass, plastic and plastic with removable disposable bags. Glass bottles are very durable, but they are heavier than plastic and easy to beat. Plastic bottles strong enough and weigh less. Bottles with removable Disposable bags are very convenient, because Packages do not need to sterilize. But these sets are quite expensive.

As for the nipple, they are made of latex or silicone. Nipple should be changed every 3 months. The older the child, the greater must be the hole in the nipple.

How to sterilize nipples and bottles?

Bottles and teats should be clean, so they should be sterilized. If your house is chlorinated water, just put baby accessories in the dishwasher or wash with washing-up liquid, then rinse under running hot water from the tap.

If chlorinated water is not, then boil bottles and nipples in a large saucepan for 5-10 minutes.

How to feed a baby?

Feeding time - usually a pleasant time for the one who feeds the baby, and for the child. Here are some tips that will help you to organize this process:

* Do not forget to wash your hands.
* Choose a quiet place, and that the child is not distracted.
* If the child is not very hungry before feeding diapering. Baby will be comfortable in a clean and dry diapers.
* Take a comfortable position, put a pillow under his back.
* If the child is naughty, before giving a bottle, try to calm him down. If the baby cries during feeding or not to worry, after the meal he could ill stomach.
* Gently embracing the child, feeding - the perfect time to touch express his love.
* When your child drink about half of the mixture, take a break. Let the child srygnet air that could accumulate in his tummy. Take breaks for regurgitation after every 50-60 ml of drinking a mixture.
Rx Alabama

Ectopic pregnancy

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In normal pregnancy the fertilized egg travels through the fallopian (uterine) tubes, enters the uterus and develops it further. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy the egg (or zygote) is attached to the wall of the fallopian tube. As the egg tube more and more stretched.

If untreated, can occur gap uterine tube, accompanied by heavy bleeding. The outcome of ectopic pregnancy is always a dysfunctional (healthy child is born). However, the probability of normal course of the next pregnancy is very high.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are similar to signs of normal pregnancy: cessation of menstrual periods, breast engorgement, it is also possible morning sickness.

The walls of the fallopian tubes are less elastic, as compared with the walls of the uterus. As the eggs develop symptoms, not typical of normal pregnancy.

* Abdominal pain (often severe or fire).
* Abnormal vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding.
* Nausea, with a large blood loss - loss of consciousness. In this case a medical emergency.

How to recognize an ectopic pregnancy?

Localization of pain established in a survey of the pelvic organs. Appointed as a blood test for pregnancy. Pregnancy hormone is determined in the blood within 10 days after conception. Normally, in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, its content is doubling every 2 days. If the placenta develops outside the uterus, the level of hormones in the blood below normal. This is a sign of ectopic pregnancy.

Approximately at the 6 th week after conception, the zygote location can be determined using ultrasound. If the symptoms occurred earlier, the doctor may choose expectant management, controlling the level of pregnancy hormone every 2 days until the moment when we can do ultrasound.

Treatment

The early stages of ectopic pregnancy is interrupted by injection, inhibits growth zygotes. Scars safely dissipated.

In the presence of large zygote or damage to the uterine tube requires surgical intervention. Where possible, the doctor restores the patency of the fallopian tube.

After the termination of an ectopic pregnancy, the doctor continues to monitor the level of pregnancy hormone. If it remains elevated, there may be remnants of fetal tissue in the fallopian tube.

Subsequent pregnancy

Many women after an ectopic pregnancy safely nurture the child. Even in the case of damage or removal of one of the fallopian tubes, the latter can successfully cope with its function. If both tubes removed, but the uterus is intact, you can resort to the procedure of in vitro fertilization.

After the first ectopic pregnancy is a risk that in future the egg, too entrenched in the uterine tube is 10%, after the second - 50%.

Time heals

Interrupted pregnancy - always a tragedy, regardless of the reasons that caused it. And the soul and the body needs time to heal.

When the next pregnancy should seek emergency medical attention. The onset of ectopic pregnancy can not be prevented, but you can notice in time.
Rx Oklahoma