Warning: Post natal depression

One in every 10 women suffers from Postnatal Depression (PND) soon after they have had their first baby. In 2001, BBC.com reported the story of a 36-year-old Texan woman who was charged with the murder of her five children, on account of suffering from post-natal depression.

The case had such far reaching consequesnes that courts in the UK are now known to accept post-natal depression as mitigating circumstances when sentencing women for crimes, accoring to the same report.

Though there is not enough information on the causes for PND or 'baby blues', doctors detremine its link to sudden changes, both psychological and environmental. Symptoms include depression, severe mood swings, irritablility, tiredness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, disinterested, guilty, unable to cope and anxiety to name a few.

How does one cope?

"Women who are vulnerable to PND must seek psychotherapy as it is the first line management of the problem. In severe cases, admission in psychiatric units may be mandatory to protect the baby. Women with PND require additional support and supervision as thoughts of harming the infant are common and sometimes they can act on their thoughts," Dr Shibu Saif Al Deen, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Masfoot Medical Centre, Ajman said.