Baby blues are less likely in winter

Call it postpartum depression (PPD) or 'baby blues', new moms experience this with variable intensity. PPD is a depressive disorder experienced by women post childbirth and can cause sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, exhaustion and numbness.
Seasons play a critical role in managing PPD and for that matter, it has been observed that having a baby in winter or spring may have a protective influence on mothers, making them less likely to develop the condition.
There are some health-related challenges in winters, as we often associate colder, darker months with worsening mental health, especially for those with seasonal affective disorder - linked to lack of sunlight and vitamin D exposure. However, the studies have found that having a child in winter months can protect mothers against PPD.
PPD is experienced by at least in 10% of women, and it arises from a combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustments to motherhood and fatigue.
Delivering in winter or spring may have a protective effect against PPD, as women enjoy cold weather by staying indoors with their newborns. New moms can relax with their babies and engage in deep breathing, meditation or take warm baths, to cope with the stress of motherhood.
Researches and studies have proven that women who delivered babies at a higher gestational age will typically be more mature and prepared at the time of delivery. Studies also reveal that the mother will do better and be less mentally stressed while delivering a full-term baby, as opposed to a premature one.
We need to be careful about PPD, which is a serious condition. Educating family members, partners and friends can go a long way in protecting the mother and the baby.

Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj
(The author is gynaecologist, obstetrician and IVF Expert, Nurture IVF Centre)