The following factors may contribute to PPD:
- the physical changes of pregnancy
- excessive worry about the baby and the responsibilities of being a parent
- complicated or difficult labor and childbirth
- lack of family support
- worries about relationships
- financial difficulties
- loneliness, not having close friends and family around
- a history of mental health problems
- the health consequences of childbirth, including urinary incontinence, anemia, blood pressure changes, and alterations in metabolism.
- hormonal changes, due to a sudden and severe drop in estrogen and progesterone levels following birth
- changes to the sleep cycle