When Postpartum Depression Goes Undiagnosed

 Posted on September 19, 2024 in Birth Injury

The birth of a child can be an incredible experience, and the memories of that period are cherished for the rest of the parents’ lives. Unfortunately, the abnormal levels of hormones and chemicals released in a mother’s body before, during, and after birth can make it a challenging time for many women. Typical hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and after birth can result in mood swings and hyperemotionality.

However, if symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) go undiagnosed and are brushed off as "regular" maternal emotional issues, the results can be tragic. If you think you or a loved one is experiencing tragic consequences of undiagnosed PPD, seek immediate medical attention and then speak to a dedicated Chicago, IL birth injury lawyer to review your options.

Diagnosing Postpartum Depression 

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, PPD is a major episode of depression that can develop within four weeks of giving birth. This episode consists of two weeks or more of feeling depressed, disinterested in daily activities, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, psychomotor issues, fatigue, a disproportionate sense of guilt or worthlessness, disinterest in the baby, and suicidal thoughts.

In severe cases, PPD leads to postpartum psychosis, which can place both the mother and the baby in danger if the mother experiences hallucinations or perceives threats that are not there. Women suffering from postpartum psychosis stemming from undiagnosed and untreated PPD are at a high risk of harming their babies and themselves.

Misdiagnosed and Undiagnosed Postpartum Depression and Psychosis

Since pregnancy and childbirth are also associated with hormonal changes for the mother, it can be challenging to diagnose PPD, especially in the early stages before the onset of postpartum psychosis. A main factor impacting diagnosis is whether doctors take their patients’ complaints seriously. Hormonal fluctuations that typically follow birth can cause mood swings and a lack of emotional regulation, but the symptoms of PPD are severe and persistent, with symptoms lasting for at least two weeks.

If a woman reports that she has been experiencing depression, sleeplessness, lack of appetite, or any of the other symptoms associated with PPD for three weeks, that should immediately trigger screening for PPD rather than brushing her complaints off as "the baby blues." Doctors who dismiss complaints and concerns may find themselves liable for injuries that result. Undiagnosed postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis may lead to: 

• A mother harming herself, her child, or her partner

• Job loss 

• Hospitalization

• Institutionalization

• Suicide

• Filicide

When these illnesses are undiagnosed and untreated, it can be extremely harmful to the mother and baby. If you can demonstrate that this happened, you have grounds for a medical malpractice case where you could potentially recover damages.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Cook County, IL Medical Negligence Attorney

If your postpartum depression was not treated properly, you should not be left to pay the costs of the damage that was caused. At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., we are passionate about advocating for our clients to be compensated when someone else’s negligence or recklessness caused them harm. We know that this can be an emotionally challenging time, so let one of our dedicated Chicago, IL birth injury lawyers handle the legal aspects of holding your medical care providers accountable. Call us at 312-462-4200 to schedule a free consultation.