Predisposition

Are some mothers more likely to get postnatal depression?

– PND is more common in mothers who have previously had episodes of depression.

– A history of depression in family members also increases the risk, probably via genetic (inherited) factors.

– PND is also more common in mothers who have experienced stressful life events during the pregnancy, those who do not have support at home, in those in whom the baby was unplanned or unwanted, and when the baby has been born with some problem.

Visit the website of the postnatal depression society: http://www.pndsa.co.za for help and support