Although the causes of PPD is unknown stress of caring new baby, family history of depression, physical and personal changes all can attribute to PPD.

There is evidence of hormonal changes causing PPD. Estrogen and Progesterone levels decline back to pre-pregnancy levels within 24 hours of giving birth, and that immediate change may cause it. The use of synthetic oxytocin, a birth-inducing drug, has been linked to promoted rates of postpartum depression and anxiety. Lack of sleep can lead to physical distress and fatigue, which can contribute to the indications of postpartum depression.

Even the cause isn't clear there are some risk factors for Postpartum depression. They can be of two types

Biological Risk Factors and Psychosocial Risk Factors

Biological Risk Factors include:

Genetic history of PPD

Administration of labour-inducing drug, synthetic oxytocin

Hormone irregularities

Formula feeding rather than breastfeeding

Inflammatory illnesses (irritable bowel syndrome,  fibromyalgia)

Cigarette smoking

Psychosocial Risk Factors Include:

Demanding life events experienced during pregnancy.

Birth-related Psychological trauma

History of sexual abuse

Low self-esteem

Low social support

Unplanned/Unwanted Pregnancy

Moderate to severe premenstrual symptoms


A meta-analysis examining research on the relationship between violence and postpartum depression revealed that violence against women increases the incidence of postpartum depression.

Remember prevention is always better than cure. This is how much mental health gets affected by the world we create