LIFESTYLE NEWS - Joy and fear, love and anxiety, excitement and sadness are all common feelings a mother will associate with the birth of her child. 

These are all normal emotions. 

However, if the negative emotions persist, and in fact if they were already noticeable during pregnancy, it is advisable to seek professional assistance.

"Postpartum depression has been linked to a drop in hormone levels after giving birth, but recent studies show that symptoms of postpartum depression don’t always start after the birth of the child and many women who suffer from this depression start experiencing symptoms during the pregnancy," says Peter Jordan, principal officer of Fedhealth.

In fact, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), up to 50% of women who develop postpartum depression actually experience depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Collectively these symptoms are referred to as peripartum episodes.

Despite its prevalence, many women are nervous to speak about their feelings and ask for help because of judgement from others, a lack of social support and strong feelings. 

However, a broader understanding of these three facts of mental health, pregnancy and childbirth might help women better understand this condition:

• During pregnancy and after childbirth, women experience a lot of physical changes. Hormone levels change, blood pressure may drop and energy levels are depleted.
• Emotional factors can also contribute, feeling anxious about having a baby, your ability to care for an infant, changes in your romantic relationship, changes in body image, financial stress and a lack of support can affect the emotional wellbeing of a new mother.
• A history of depression or bipolar disorder, or a family history of depression or bipolar disorders can contribute to the development of postpartum depression.

"Motherhood is associated with a mix of feelings and it is normal for women to experience 'baby blues' that include feeling sad or anxious, irritable, tearful, etc.," says Jordan. 

"These feelings tend to last for a few days up to one or two weeks. If these symptoms become more intense or interfere with your ability to cope and manage your daily tasks, it is advisable to seek help from a professional. Left untreated, postpartum depression can lead to difficulties in coping and managing day to day tasks and may interfere with the bonding process between mother and baby."

Symptoms of postpartum depression include a persistent, depressed mood for most of the day, nearly every day; feeling irritable and/or angry; feeling emotionally drained; lack of interest in things you used to find enjoyable; loss of appetite and weight loss; unable to sleep or sleeping too much; fatigue; feelings of worthlessness, shame or guilt; difficulty concentrating; feeling overly protective of your baby; and thoughts of harming yourself and/or your baby.

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