Women who just gave birth have the potential to be emotionally unstable

SHAH ALAM - Women who have just given birth have the potential to experience postpartum symptoms which can cause unexpected behavior.

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris psychologist and counselor Dr Fauziah Mohd Saad said among the symptoms were feeling sad, listless, difficulty in sleeping, not socialising with family members and having no appetite.

She said if the symptoms persists for more than two weeks then they are prone to suffer postpartum depression.

Based on past research, five to 25 per cent of mothers who are in after-birth confinement tend to be affected by postpartum.

"This period is called postpartum and it will happen after the pregnant mother gves birth. Usually, women will have this problem known as the baby blues which refers to experiencing negative emotions after giving birth.

"Women who are in the postpartum period are very sensitive. The symptoms might include always crying and loves to be alone.

"If they used to be cheerful, now they are quiet," she told Sinar yesterday.

On Thursday, it was reported that a woman who was in her confinement period, was found dead with a stab wound on her neck, she was believed to be experiencing postpartum symptoms.

Fauziah said the changes or postpartum symptoms will appear due to the sudden drop in blood concentration after a mother gives birth to her baby.

"Usually this postpartum period will end six to eight weeks after she has given birth. The fastest period would be 24 hours after giving birth. Or it could also be two weeks after," she said.

She added that if family members noticed these characteristics, they should pay more attention to the mothers to ensure their safety and health.