NURS 3112 Study Guide - Final Guide: Postpartum Depression, Beck Depression Inventory, Depression (Mood)
23 Jun 2017
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Document Summary
Adjustment reaction with depressed mood is commonly known as postpartum blues,or as maternal or baby blues. Characterized by mood lability and emotional hypersensitivity. Postpartum blues typically begin within 2 to 4 days after the baby"s birth and are self-limiting, lasting from a few hours to 1 to 14 days. The depression is more severe in primiparas than in multiparas and seems related to the rapid alteration of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin levels after birth, challenges of new motherhood, fatigue, and lifestyle adjustments. New mothers experiencing postpartum blues commonly report feeling overwhelmed, unable to cope, fatigued,anxious, irritable, and oversensitive. A key feature is episodic tearfulness and rapid mood shifts often without an identifiable reason. Not uncommonly, when asked why she is crying, this woman responds that she does not know. several factors that contribute to the blues : Anxiety about caring for the newborn after discharge. Depression during pregnancy or previous depression unrelated to pregnancy.
