What should I do about mood swings, irritability, and agitation after childbirth?

Generally, postpartum mood instability, irritability, and restlessness may be caused by hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, postpartum depression, hyperthyroidism, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and other factors. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Hormonal fluctuations

After childbirth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply, affecting neurotransmitter secretion and leading to emotional dysregulation. Ensure adequate rest, communicate and share feelings with family members, and practice simple postnatal yoga to relieve stress.

2. Sleep deprivation

Frequent breastfeeding and infant care disrupt sleep patterns, causing prolonged nervous tension in the brain and resulting in emotional outbursts. Family members should actively share childcare responsibilities, and mothers should rest when the baby is sleeping to minimize nighttime disturbances.

3. Postpartum depression

The combination of physiological changes and psychological stress can lead to dysfunction in the brain's emotional centers, causing irritability, restlessness, or even low mood. Under medical supervision, medications such as sertraline hydrochloride tablets, escitalopram oxalate tablets, or paroxetine hydrochloride tablets may be prescribed, along with professional psychological counseling.

4. Hyperthyroidism

Abnormally increased thyroid activity after childbirth accelerates metabolism and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to emotional agitation and irritability. Under medical guidance, medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or propranolol tablets may be used, with regular monitoring of thyroid function.

5. Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Damage to the heart muscle after childbirth leads to reduced cardiac function, causing physical discomfort that indirectly triggers emotional issues, often accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath. Under medical supervision, medications such as captopril tablets, metoprolol tablets, or spironolactone tablets may be prescribed. In severe cases, cardiac resynchronization therapy may be required.

Postpartum mood swings are often temporary. Understanding and support from family members are crucial. If emotional symptoms persist for more than two weeks or if thoughts of self-harm occur, immediate medical attention is necessary. Early intervention leads to faster recovery and a better transition into the new phase of life.