NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Postpartum depression (PPD) can be detrimental to not only a new mom but the new baby as well.

PPD is a clinical condition that affects women after childbirth, which usually starts within just a few weeks, and if not addressed can lead to negative health outcomes and impaired parenting practices.

It’s typically characterized by intense feelings of prolonged anxiety, sadness, and fatigue.

A team of researchers from the College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University has tried to evaluate the relationship between maternal factors and the development of PPD in first-time mothers, whether they are adolescents (age 12-19) or adults (over 20).

In the beginning, the researchers used electronic health records and linked them to other healthcare and population databases, then, they ran statistical analysis to evaluate maternal factors and the prevalence of PPD.

In these findings, they saw that first-time adolescent mothers were more prone to PPD than first-time adult mothers.

To researchers’ surprise, adolescent mothers were less likely to receive first-trimester prenatal care and were more likely to use tobacco products and have an infection during pregnancy.

“Our study underscores the importance of integrating mental health care into prenatal care, particularly for adolescents, to help reduce the risk and severity of PPD. Healthcare providers can develop and implement enhanced prenatal care programs specifically tailored for adolescent mothers, focusing on early detection and management of risk factors associated with PPD. These programs can include routine mental health screening, counseling services, and education on the importance of prenatal care,” said Assistant Professor Dr. Nakyung Jeon.

A history of depression or anxiety, use of tobacco, and use of long-acting reversible contraception were key risk factors for PPD in both age groups.

Public health campaigns and awareness programs for education can be vital for the prevention and management of PPD in first-time mothers.

“Early detection and intervention for PPD, particularly among adolescent mothers, can improve the overall health outcomes for both mothers and their children,” shared Dr. Jeon. “Furthermore, by addressing mental health issues early, we can prevent the progression of severe mental health problems, reducing the need for intensive treatments along with decreased healthcare costs.”

The study highlighted the need for support and interventions for first-time adolescent mothers during prenatal and postpartum periods to lessen PPD risks.

You can find the full research here .

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