Postpartum Depression and It’s Relation to Postpartum Bonding

Abstract

Depression in women during pregnancy and the postpartum period have been matters of great scientific interest. Pregnancy and puerperium are times of particular vulnerability, therefore many women exhibit symptoms of emotional distress during this period. While maternal prenatal and postnatal depression and its effects on both the mother’s health and her child’s development is a well-recognized health issue; however, the influence of maternal–fetal bonding during pregnancy on postpartum bonding has not been clearly identified. Early identification of bonding impairment during pregnancy and postpartum depression in mothers plays an important role for the prevention of potential bonding impairment in the early postpartum period.