Multiple births may raise risk of postnatal depression

Published on Wednesday 15 April 2009 22:01

WOMEN who have twins or triplets could be more likely to suffer postnatal depression than other new mothers, a new study has suggested.

A survey of more than 1,000 mothers who had a multiple birth found 17 per cent had experienced postnatal depression, while a further 18 per cent said they were "not sure" if they had.

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP), about one in ten new mothers generally will develop postnatal depression, which can include feelings of helplessness or being over-anxious about the baby.

The latest poll, carried out for the Twins and Multiple Births Association, found those who suffered from the condition reported having less sleep and less help from family and friends than non-sufferers.

Half of all respondents said they spent less than an hour a day talking to another adult, while many described feelings of profound isolation.

Of those who had suffered postnatal depression, some said health visitors had promised to drop off leaflets about the condition but had failed to do so, while doctors told some women they could not be treated while breastfeeding.

Without treatment, postnatal depression can last for months or, in some cases, years.

It has been found that women are more likely to suffer if they have previously had depression (especially postnatal depression), do not have a supportive partner, have a premature or sick baby or lost their mother when they were a child.

Recent stress such as bereavement, unemployment, housing problems or money worries can also trigger it, although sometimes none of these factors plays a role, according to the RCP.