Senior Nursing Poster Session (Virtual)

Presenter Information

Erica HoltFollow

Academic Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

Major

Nursing

Presentation Format

Poster Presentation

Abstract/Description

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a mental disorder that takes effect in a mother after the birth of her child. This disorder has a prevalence between “5% and 60.8%” worldwide. Manifestations of this disease include “sleep disorders, mood swings, changes in appetite, fear of injury, serious concerns about the baby, much sadness and crying, sense of doubt, difficulty in concentrating, lack of interest in daily activity, thoughts of death and suicide.” (Bahrami, M et al., 2017) A reduced amount of DHA in expecting mothers has been proven to lead to an increased chance of postpartum depression. DHA declines gradually throughout pregnancy, especially in the last trimester and is expelled in breast milk therefore postpartum mothers DHA levels continue to decline. Omega 3 fish oil supplements two main ingredients are DHA and EPA. Omega 3 supplements have limited side effects. Expected mothers should be educated on the effects of Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements and provided with resources for obtaining 3-4 grams of omega-3 per day. Postpartum women should be tested using the EDPS questionnaire between 1-3 months postpartum to measure the outcome of omega-3 fish oil supplements and to see if further interventions should be taken to reduce postpartum depression.

Spring Scholars Week 2020 Event

General Scholars Week Posters (Non-Juried)

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Omega 3 Supplements and Postpartum Depression

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a mental disorder that takes effect in a mother after the birth of her child. This disorder has a prevalence between “5% and 60.8%” worldwide. Manifestations of this disease include “sleep disorders, mood swings, changes in appetite, fear of injury, serious concerns about the baby, much sadness and crying, sense of doubt, difficulty in concentrating, lack of interest in daily activity, thoughts of death and suicide.” (Bahrami, M et al., 2017) A reduced amount of DHA in expecting mothers has been proven to lead to an increased chance of postpartum depression. DHA declines gradually throughout pregnancy, especially in the last trimester and is expelled in breast milk therefore postpartum mothers DHA levels continue to decline. Omega 3 fish oil supplements two main ingredients are DHA and EPA. Omega 3 supplements have limited side effects. Expected mothers should be educated on the effects of Omega-3 Fish Oil Supplements and provided with resources for obtaining 3-4 grams of omega-3 per day. Postpartum women should be tested using the EDPS questionnaire between 1-3 months postpartum to measure the outcome of omega-3 fish oil supplements and to see if further interventions should be taken to reduce postpartum depression.