Welcoming a newborn into the family is a joyous occasion, however, it can be one of the most difficult things women go through. Birthing a child can change a woman’s body in many ways. What most people expect to happen is women gaining little weight and an expanded waistline, during the pregnancy and after. However, that is not true, women experience body ache, breast changes, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, sleep problems, heartburn and indigestion, changes in urinary frequency, swelling, changes in their hormones etc. The World Health Organization explains that 40 million women are likely to experience a long-term health problem caused by childbirth. They mentioned a Lancet study that showed how postnatal conditions affect women months, even years after birth. While there are many reasons why this happens, new stats show another concerning family link between postpartum psychosis and new mothers. A recent study reveals that women with a sister who experienced postpartum psychosis face a 10-fold increased risk of developing the condition themselves. This serious but rare mental illness, characterized by severe mood swings, hallucinations, delusions, and thoughts of self-harm, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Understanding Postpartum Psychosis Postpartum psychosis is a very serious mental health condition that can affect new mothers. It usually shows up within three months after giving birth. Women with this condition can experience extreme changes in their mood, like going from feeling very happy to very sad or irritable in a short time. They might also have hallucinations, which means they see or hear things that aren't real, or delusions, which are strong false beliefs. Sometimes, they can feel paranoid or even have thoughts of hurting themselves or their baby. Because it's so serious, it's very important to get help right away if someone shows these signs. Familial Link and Genetic Insights The study, which looked at information from over 1.6 million women in Sweden, found a strong link between a woman's risk of postpartum psychosis and whether her sister had it. As mentioned, if your sister had postpartum psychosis, your risk goes up by 10 times. The study also found that if your sister had bipolar disorder, your risk of developing postpartum psychosis doubled. And if your sister had both postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder, your risk was even higher, increasing by 14 times. Even with these increased risks, it's important to remember that the overall chance of getting postpartum psychosis is still quite low, even for women with an affected sister. For these women, the chance is about 1.6%. Researchers believe these findings show that there might be shared genetic factors or even environmental influences within families that increase the risk. Doctors say it's really important for all women of childbearing age and their healthcare providers to know about this condition, its signs, and if it runs in the family, so it can be recognized and treated quickly. Distinct Conditions and Future Research The study suggests that while postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder can sometimes overlap, they are likely separate conditions. Researchers are now looking into the genetics of postpartum psychosis to understand it better. By studying the specific genes involved, they hope to learn what causes the condition, whether it's related to hormones or the immune system. This kind of research could lead to new treatments and even ways to tell women their risk before they experience a crisis, helping them get the support they need.