The organization recently sponsored a British study of 1,400 women and found mothers of multiples (twins and triplets) are almost twice at risk of experiencing symptoms of depressions as mothers of single babies. This, researches say, may be linked to the emotional battles these mothers of multiples face trying to conceive, dealing with IVF treatments or handling the increased risk of miscarriage.

The study also found that one in eight mothers of multiples had to be separated from their newborns shortly after birth because the babies required medical treatment. This separation stirred traumatic emotions in mothers. Tending to a newborn can be exhaustive, and that pressure is doubled – and even tripled – with multiple newborns to care for.

Other factors that can contribute to postpartum depression include socio-economic stress, lack of a stable and supportive family relationships, and the self-imposed pressure many women put themselves under by trying to be the “perfect mom.” Partners of expectant and new mothers are also at increased risk for depression, according to the study.

By screening expectant mothers, BeyondBlue hopes to identify women at higher risk for depression so they can seek treatment sooner. “Long-term untreated PND (postnatal depression) can cause delayed cognitive and emotional development in the baby. The benefits of picking up PND early are immense,” says Dr. Nicole Highet, deputy chief executive for BeyondBlue.

SOURCE: Paxil and Pregnancy › Australian group to screen expectant mothers for postpartum depression