Summary

In the gestational period, biological, psychological, neuroendocrinical, social and emotional changes are seen which contribute to comportamental modifications in postpartum. Even though these changes are known, the mechanisms of these alterations need more scientific explanations. So that, the objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence of postpartum depression (PPD) susceptible women. The evaluation is quantitative, through objective questionnaire, which is spontaneously fulfilled by interpersonal interview.
Fifty postpartum women were studied, aged between 18 and 45 years old. The questionnaire contained demographic subjects and a specific PPD diagnostic instrument, denominated Edinburgh score. Patients with psychiatric diseases, unwanted pregnancy or ravishment were not included.
The Edinburgh score consists in 10 questions, each one scores from 0 to 3 points. At the end of the interview, women that reached 12 or more points were considered PPD susceptible parturient.

The questionnaire was applied 24 hours after delivery, 40 days and 3 months postpartum. After the questionnaire evaluations, it was observed 10 patients (20%) who reached =12 points. This score allowed to consider those women had PPD susceptibility.
Among the associations presented, it was identified financial difficulties (p=0, 033391) and family relationship instability in prenatal period (p=0, 022825).

The results of this study permitted to conclude that despite the PPD is subdiagnosticated sickness, the number achieved, reveals us a high percent of PPD susceptible parturients, mainly those with financial and familiar relationship difficulties.