Causes
The causes of these perinatal reactions vary between individuals, as a wide range of physical,
hormonal,
biochemical, psychological, social, and societal factors interact with one another. In most cases, it is
the combined effect of several contributing factors that leads to a stress-related psychological
response.
The number and intensity of these stressors determine the severity of the condition.
As a result, the relative importance of the contributing factors differs for each woman and must be
considered individually.
Physical Factors
- Matrescence (the transition into motherhood)
- Significant hormonal changes following childbirth
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Biochemical changes resulting from sleep deprivation
- Pre-existing mental health conditions
- Genetic predisposition
- ADHD
Perinatal Factors
- Prolonged time trying to conceive
- Previous miscarriage
- Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
- Pregnancy complications
- Uncertainty or anxiety related to antenatal care
- Traumatic and/or prolonged labour
- Traumatic, extremely painful and/or prolonged birth experience
- Emergency caesarean section; distressing or insensitive birth environment
- Preterm birth; a seriously ill or stillborn baby
- Difficulties with breastfeeding/li>
- Abrupt and/or unwanted weaning
- Use of certain medications to suppress lactation
Psychological Factors
- Saying goodbye to pregnancy
- Letting go of the idea of the “ideal baby”
- Letting go of one’s own childhood
- Personal limitations
- Identity crisis
- Loss of independence
- Loss of freedom and autonomy
- Perfectionism
- Loss of control
- Traumatic experiences occurring during pregnancy or around the time of childbirth
- Stressful life circumstances such as relocation, financial and/or social difficulties
- Relationship problems
- Traumatic experiences in childhood
- Unprocessed experiences from one’s own life history reactivated by childbirth
Social Factors
- Idealised images of motherhood in literature and advertising
- Caring for children with high or complex care needs
- Adjusting to the role of a mother
- Lack of support from a partner and the wider social environment
- Changes in the relationship with one’s partner
- Changes in the relationship with existing children
- Changes in relationships with parents and in-laws
- Loss of previous friendships (with people without children)
- Decline of extended family structures and their support networks
- Patriarchal societal structures with reduced social and financial security for mothers