Around 80% of women experience “baby blues” after giving birth, a brief period of feeling down that usually resolves within a few days. However, about 1 in 7 women develop postpartum depression, a more serious condition that can impact the mother’s bond with the baby and have long-term consequences. A group of European researchers found that brain activity in a specific area is linked to regulating negative emotions and the tendency for depression in pregnant women. Testing for this activity could help identify women at risk for postpartum depression, with potential for intervention strategies to support their mental health during this vulnerable period.
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