postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that affects up to 25% of new mothers. Doctors have conducted studies to identify signs of PPD, but still do not know what causes the condition and how it can be prevented. Researchers at UCLA Mental Health Institute have shown that women who have more emotional support throughout their pregnancy and birth are less likely to experience PPD.
"Now we have some idea of how the support could get under the skin during pregnancy, wetting down the stress hormone of a mother and help reduce the risk of postpartum depression as well, "said Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook, senior author of the study.
the study included 210 women who were asked about the support they have received from their families, friends and partners in their pregnancy and shortly after giving birth. the research team also collected blood samples from each participant to determine the levels of placental corticotropin releasing hormone or pCRII, in the blood. This hormone is known to increase stress in the body.
Hahn-Holbrook and his team found that women who received emotional support strong during pregnancy were less likely to postpartum depression develop. However, the study also suggests that support or lack of it, the child's father is unlikely to increase the levels of pCRII in the body.
Co-author Chris Dunkel Schetter believes that strong social support will encourage pregnant women to live healthier lifestyles, which will improve the health of the baby after birth.