Risk Factors for Postpartum Disorders

Abstract

This chapter on risk factors for postpartum disorders describes how the postpartum period is a time in women’s lives when they are at an especially high risk for developing mental health problems. The massive hormonal changes experienced after birth can interact with other risk factors to result in a postpartum disorder. Poor sleep due to infant care can exacerbate these vulnerabilities. There are many factors that may increase the risk of developing a postpartum disorder. Depression or anxiety during pregnancy, a personal or family history of a psychiatric disorder, current stressors, and lack of social supports may all increase the risk of developing a postpartum depression or anxiety disorder. Women with a history of bipolar disorder are particularly at risk for developing a depression or manic episode postpartum. Recognition of factors that may predispose women to the development of a postpartum disorder can allow preventative factors to be put in place.