What causes postpartum depression?

The exact cause of postpartum depression (PPD) is not known. Postpartum depression seems to be related to the sudden drop in the hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone that happens after giving birth. Other hormones produced by the thyroid gland also may drop, which can lead to feeling tired, sluggish and depressed. Changes in blood volume, blood pressure, immune system and metabolism can be further stresses that contribute to fatigue and mood swings in the weeks following birth. However, while all women experience these physiologic changes, not all women develop PPD. Postpartum depression results when these physiologic effects are  paired with risk factors such as previous depression, poor support from the partner, friends, and family, or a high level of stress.  

Some women get profoundly depressed after a baby is born. Two main factors contribute to this:

• During pregnancy, the baby takes fish oil from the mother's brain to make its own brain (brain is made mostly of fish oil). If you eat enough fish oil during pregnancy your risk of getting postpartum depression drops by half.

• Low progesterone hormone. Delivery can trigger low thyroid and low progesterone hormone levels.

Postpartum depression (PPD) can have many causes: lack of family support, previous psychiatric illness, recent stress (such as a death in the family), changes in hormone levels, irregularities in thyroid function, fatigue, and a troubled relationship with one’s mother. Studies show that perfectionism can contribute to PPD.

Postpartum depression seems to be triggered by the sudden hormone changes that happen after childbirth, miscarriage or stillbirth. This is more likely in women who have certain risk factors, including previous depression.