Circadian Rhythm Dysregulation

According to the North Carolina Clinic, they have a research program to understand why women go through depression during pregnancy, and after childbirth. The research program

The Center for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 20 people suffer from depression (2014). Although widely recognized and somewhat easy to diagnose, depression is an ignored and almost hidden, disease. In women, the statistics are especially grim for those who are pregnant or were recently pregnant. A great number of women suffer from postpartum depression; an illness which is often overlooked, misdiagnosed and untreated. Postpartum depression (PPD) has been defined as an emotional disorder that occurs in an estimated 10-15% of all women after childbirth (Liberto, 2010). Postpartum depression not only impacts the mother, but can cause long-term psychological challenges for the baby and create emotional turmoil for all family members.

Depression, in general, affects more than 340 million people around the world and is reported to be the highest cause of disability in high-income countries (Demissie). 15% to 85% of mothers can experience postpartum “blues” with postpartum depression rates between 11.7% and 20.4% in the United States alone (Ersek). This depression can occur at anytime from post-delivery up to one year (Ersek).

Perinatal depression is common in pregnancies whether regardless of race. Although, it is higher among African American low income women. Depression or anxiety during pregnancy, stressful recent life events, poor social support and a previous history of depression are all predictors of postpartum depression. (Stewart, D.E., Robertson, E., Dennis, G.L., Grace, S.L. & Wallington, T. 2003) Childcare stress, low self-esteem, maternal neuroticism, and difficult infant temperament are moderate predictors of postpartum depression.( Stewart, D.E., Robertson, E., Dennis, G.L., Grace, S.L. & Wallington, T. 2003) Obstetric and pregnancy complications, negative cognitive attributions, single marital status, poor relationship with partner, and lower socioeconomic status including income are small predicators of post-partum depression.

According to the CDC, current research shows that postpartum depression (PPD) is a complication that effects 1-8 women after they give birth. It is when the mother experiences depression after giving birth that is the result of hormone changes, adjustments to motherhood and fatigue. It is one of the most common diseases after the mother gives birth and is often underdiagnosed and overlooked. PPD can cause complication that not only affect the mother but also the baby by breaking the mother-infant bond. PPD can lead to a lack of social and emotional support to the baby during its critical period of life according to the CDC. There are experiences that put some women at higher risks for developing postpartum depression than others women. Some risk factors discussed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are low social supports, stress, culture, multiple births, and economic standings. Some of these risk factors are shown in case A which involves a Latino family that includes a father that is 31 years in age, mother who is 30 years of age, a 5-year-old son and an 8 -week old daughter. The main idea of this case was that the mother was starting to develop postpartum depression after the birth of her last daughter.

“Postpartum depression affects 10% to 20% of women after delivery, regardless of maternal age, race, parity, socioeconomic status, or level of education”.( Consise) Postpartum depression is a major depression episode that occurs after childbirth affecting not only the mother but also the child and family members. After the delivery of the placenta extending for about six weeks this is considered as as the postpartum period. This a critical period for the mother and new born physiological and psychological because the woman’s body is returning to a non-pregnant state in which hormones, sleep parttters, emotions and relationship are changing. Therefore, up to 80% of mothers experience the "baby blues during the first week in which

Almost all women experience some type of depression during pregnancy. Depression is more than just feeling "blue" or "down in the dumps" for a few days. It's a serious illness that involves the brain. Depression makes you feel sad and lonely for a number of days, and could become a serious problem.These feelings can be mild to severe. Depression is the most common problem during pregnancy. Due to the potential birth defects, developmental issues, and negative effects on the health of both mother and child. Hormonal changes cause the depression women experience during pregnancy. The use of antidepressants by pregnant women should be highly restricted in the United States. It can really hurt the child more than

In terms of public health and associated concern, in the recent years it has been observed that mental illness has major impact on pregnant women and postpartum period which has become a concern of public health lately. The aspect that associated with pregnancy of women and their mental health that has brought this topic in the forefront is the fact that mental health problems like depression and anxiety have the probability to impact women twice as compared to men. The severity of the situation seen from a global perspective, shows that depression is one of the major reasons of maternal mental illness during the childbearing age of women, which is approximately between the age group of 18 to 40 years. As a result of this to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) it contributes approximately 7% of the entire GBD for women of all age group (Leham, 2015).

Estimates of the prevalence of postpartum depression range from 13% to 19% (O 'Hara & McCabe, 2013). However, major depressive episodes may go undiagnosed in 65% of pregnant women ( (Ko, Farr, Dietz, & Robbins, 2012). It is important for pregnant women and new mothers to undergo depression screening to be diagnosed and treated early if they are experiencing any symptoms of depression. Depression during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of inadequate nutrition, poor weight gain, inadequate prenatal care, preterm birth, surgical birth and low birth weight babies (Wirz-Justice, et al., 2011). The newborns have a higher rate of neonatal intensive care admissions and increased risk of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders (Wirz-Justice, et al., 2011).

The baby blues are much more common than postpartum depression in women after pregnancy. The incidence of baby blues are approximately four out of every 5 new mothers. Whereas postpartum depression accounts for 1 in every 5 new mothers. Maternal depression such as the baby blues or postpartum depression are cultural phenomenons. The text states that these feelings and symptoms after childbirth are not limited to the United States. In fact, they are observed in many developing and non-developed countries as well such as China, Australia, South America, etc. Researchers believe the main contribution to these feelings new mothers experience have to do with our physiological factors. Physiological factors such as changes in hormone levels are believed

There are times that one feels hopeless during a situational event, but usually this feeling passes. Depression can be situational or clinical. The severity of the depression can cause one to be suicidal, especially if one is diagnosed with clinical depression, or a bipolar disorder. In the research report, Epidemiology of Women and Depression, it states that it is more common for women than men to have depression, and hormonal changes can contribute to depression. Pregnancy can cause depression, but what about mothers who also have a depressive disorder? (Kessler). This paper will look at these concerns, and will look at the risks to the mother and child, as well as the pros and cons of taking antidepressants (ADs) during pregnancy.

During a pregnancy, the focus is primarily on the mother-to-be and preparing for the birth of the baby. There is minimal attention directed toward the father during this time or little thought about any stress he could be experiencing. The birth of a child can cause increased tension in even the most stable relationships. Many men still see themselves as the primary breadwinner of a family. Raising a child means increased financial obligations for both the child and the family, and can be very overwhelming for some. A larger house may be needed to accommodate the growing family. The father may also need to change jobs to afford the added expenses the baby requires. Other stress factors include the type of relationship the father-to-be has with his partner, and how life will change after the birth of the baby. Any significant incident in a person’s life can cause a depressive episode. Consequently, those that have suffered depression in the past have a higher risk of a second

Melatonin is a neuroendocrine compound primarily produced by the pineal gland that is best known for its role in regulating circadian rhythms. It plays a crucial role in several important physiological functions, including reproduction. It’s well documented that melatonin plays a determinant role in the success of human pregnancy (Voiculescu et al., 2014). Studies have shown that melatonin therapy has neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects in the IUGR fetus. (Reiter et al., 2014b), summarized the relationship of melatonin and circadian rhythmicity to maternal and fetal health in one review (Reiter et al., 2014a)

A paper presented by Shiv Gautam in 1989 has described pregnancy and post-partum period as maturational crisis equal in importance to those of adolescence and menopause. The major stressors faced at this time include endocrinal changes, changes in body image, activation of unconscious psychological conflicts pertaining to pregnancy and intra-psychic reorganization associated with becoming a mother. Most psychiatric disorders during post-partum period are mild and transitory but a few become extremely severe. At least 10% of women have a depressive episode in post-partum period (Pitt, 1968). In a prospective study of post-partum psychiatric illnesses amongst 200 women following childbirth, (Gautaum et al., 1987) the incidence of psychiatric illness was found out to be 46% of which 31% were Depressives, 7.5% Anxiety States, 2% Hysteria and 0.5% Schizophrenia. One of the constants in the field of post-partum psychiatric illnesses is the element of confusion and disorientation. The probable causes can be clubbed under the

A mother who struggles with depression post-partum is likely to expose her baby to more harmful effects. Gerhardt (2015) states that the baby of a depressed mother can find it difficult to cope with or get over stress, or they may be more fearful (p. 21). These babies also may respond to others with depression themselves, as their mother may be neglectful in their care (Gerhardt, 2015, p. 36). One of the reasons for this is because of their cortisol levels, which can fluctuate situationally. However, in infants this can affect their development (Gerhardt, 2015, p. 83) as well as their immune system (Gerhardt, 2015, p. 118), and is evidence that a mother with depression can have a significant impact on her child well beyond when the depression occurs. Additionally, Gerhardt (2015) notes that, “When they grow up, these babies of depressed mothers are highly at risk of succumbing to depression themselves.” (p.