Is There A Relationship Between Assisted Reproduction And Postpartum Depression?

Some experts believe that the use of assisted reproductive techniques could be related to postpartum depression. Getting pregnant through artificial processes can trigger a series of emotional changes that do not go away easily.

In most cases, these techniques are not successful out of the box. The stress that comes with undergoing these types of treatments can last during pregnancy. If we add to the medical process as such the time that the couple was trying to conceive without success, we will obtain a high amount of accumulated stress.

Later, given the fact that they have become pregnant with so much effort, the pregnancy can be more emotional. We understand that a couple that achieves a pregnancy through assisted reproduction must take great care of the mother and what begins to grow inside her. Sometimes, premature losses and other problems arise from the process itself.

The fear of parents during this stage, can take its toll postpartum. The expert in psychology and fertility Victoria Martínez Navarro, affirms that possible emotional problems are feasible in these cases.

Emotional implications of assisted reproduction

According to the statements of Dr. Martínez Navarro, undergoing fertility treatments could lead to greater emotional problems. She says that this is because for a long time the woman’s mind was focused on the same purpose.

Before pregnancy, the couple focuses on a single concern. After the emotional shock that leads them to seek professional help to conceive, come several failed attempts. Once they are pregnant, the next few months can be emotional ups and downs.

At the same time, medical procedures can be taxing on the body and mind. Constant analyzes, ultrasounds, consultations, all this entails energy expenditure and generates a lot of uncertainty. From now on, all changes, however minimal they may seem, can affect a woman who has gone through so much stress in recent months.

On second thought, this series of changes can turn a woman into a time bomb. Postpartum depression can happen to any mother, but these in particular seem more prone. They are not sad, it is something they longed for a long time ago, it is just that they are exhausted and almost in shock.

Can postpartum depression be related to assisted reproduction?

Dr. Martínez explains that depression can present itself in two ways, with excessive attention to the baby or with disinterest in him. Somehow the mother may feel that this situation is overcoming her. Taking care of him too much indicates that you fear for his well-being and are terrified of having to start over.

However, there may also be a kind of “claim” that your mind makes. For a long time she concentrated on something that was not herself. Perhaps you have not taken the time to do what you like, you have not rested, thought or fun as you need. That is why postpartum depression sometimes has complacent characteristics.

The expert describes the problem considering the main symptoms that are the following.

• Restlessness
• irritability
• Anxiety
• Sadness
• Lack of interest in almost everything
• Frequent crying

According to the analysis of the results of this disease, it affects at least 12% of mothers. However, it cannot be assured that the application of assisted reproductive techniques can determine the onset of postpartum depression. That is, although the characteristics of these mothers make them more prone to these symptoms, there is no evidence that it is a fact.

Which are the risk factors?

The doctor explains that the fear that these mothers feel due to what they have been through is natural. However, it is something that can happen to any woman. Obsessing over the baby is common in these cases, but this symptom alone is not a cause for diagnosis of postpartum depression.

Scientifically it is not possible to link assisted reproduction with postpartum depression. However, some of the probable causes of the disorder could fully justify its appearance in these cases. According to this, it can be said that the factors that trigger this situation are as follows.

• The age of the mother. If she is young and new, she is as prone as one who has been a mother after 40 and after several attempts
• Relationship problems or family dysfunction
• History of depression
• Suffering from vital stressful situations during pregnancy
• Need for social support.