Abstract
Objective: To analyze the symptoms and causes of postpartum depression (PPD), including an unplanned cesarean section as one of the risk factors, as well as to evaluate the consequences of depression for the life of the mother and baby. Bibliographic review: The symptoms of PPD usually manifest between the fourth and eighth week after delivery, due to hormonal changes, such as increased levels of cortisol and changes in the amount of estrogen and progesterone that occur during pregnancy, associated with a family history, financial and psychosocial factors, many mothers have apathy, insomnia, hopelessness, guilt, desire for death, among other symptoms. In addition, there is a strong association with the performance of unplanned cesarean sections performed when the route normally presents a risk to the woman or the baby. Final considerations: It is noted that PPD is a public health problem that generates a strong impact on family life, therefore, the importance of exploring as possible etiologies and including an emergency cesarean as one of them, leads to the development of actions that promote a humanized delivery.