Dentification through literature review of risk factors for preventing postpartum depression

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a mental condition of considerable severity that has a negative impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the mother. This pathology usually manifests itself after the first or second-week following childbirth and can persist or emerge up to one year after the event. However, it is important to note that approximately half of these episodes actually originate before birth. Postpartum depression is the most socially stigmatized maternal condition; despite this, on numerous occasions, this condition is underdiagnosed, and for many professionals, this disorder goes unnoticed. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with postpartum depression, in order to prevent and highlight the importance of its early detection. For this purpose, a literature review was carried out, analyzing databases such as PubMed and SciELO, among others, from which 15 relevant articles were selected, which were interpreted with the support of hermeneutics, in a retrospective and observational research. Among the most significant findings, it was identified that the most relevant risk factors include age, occupation (especially being homemakers), parity and social support. It was concluded that mothers affected by postpartum depression tend to experience thoughts of self-harm or harm towards the baby, affecting their quality of life and manifesting symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, persistent sadness and lack of sleep