Introduction: Postpartum depression is a major public health problem, because it is the most common complication for women in the postnatal period. The prevalence in developed countries ranges between 10 – 15 %. The birth of a child represents a major milestone in a woman's life and brings with it many changes. Postpartum depression affects the well-being and functioning of a woman and has negative consequences for women and her family and for the cognitive and emotional development of the child. Purpose: With the help of scientific literature, we examined the causes, symptoms, signs and consequences of postpartum depression and the impact on the lives of women and the development of children. Methods: A descriptive research method of work was used. We examined scientific literature in the fields of nursing, sociology, gynecology and psychology. For finding sources, we used professional databases for searching: CINAHL, Medline, COBIB.SI. We revived and analyzed the literature published from 2008 to 2018. Results: In the literature review, we included seventeen studies, dealing with consequences of an untreated postpartum depression for a woman and child and the importance of this knowledge for a nurse to effectively scan and assist women in the choice of treatment. Nine studies report on the negative consequences for women's health and the negative consequences for the development of the child. In seven studies, however, it was found how important the knowledge is fort the nurse, so that she can detect women with postpartum depression more effectively and help them find an appropriate treatment. Discussion and conclusion: A review of literature has shown how severe the consequences of untreated postpartum depression are for a woman and the development of a child and how high the percentage of women who do not receive treatment. Postpartum depression increases the risk of suicide in women and increases parental stress. The child may experience worse cognitive and emotional development. Nurses emphasize the importance of continuous treatment, the establishment of a trusted relationship with a woman and evidence-based knowledge for successful detection of postpartum depression and effective support for women. We still have a lot of work to do on the education of society to reduce the stigmatization of postpartum depression and prevent social isolation of women and with that to provide them the help and treatment they need.
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