By now, we all must be aware of how a mother's body changes during and even after pregnancy. What comes next is a challenging phase, called postpartum. However, it is not just the mothers, but dads too go through postpartum depression. As per the UT Southwestern Medical Center, 1 in 10 dads struggle with postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety. According to a 2019 study published in Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, a peer reviewed journal providing evidence-based information, titled Postpartum Depression in Men by Jonathan R Scarff defines postpartum depression as an episode of major depressive disorder occurring soon after the birth of a child. While it is frequently reported in mothers, but can also occur in father. However, there is no established criteria for this in men, although it could present over the course of a year, with symptoms of irritability restrict emotions, and depression.

Why Do Dads Experience PPD?

Fathers can also experience postpartum depression (PPD) due to various factors, including a history of depression, relationship conflicts, financial stress, and maternal depression. Sleep deprivation and disrupted circadian rhythms, known to affect maternal mental health, may also contribute to PPD in men. Additionally, hormonal changes during and after pregnancy play a role. Studies suggest that lower testosterone levels in new fathers reduce aggression and enhance responsiveness to a baby’s cries, while increased estrogen levels promote more engaged parenting. However, these hormonal shifts can also increase vulnerability to depression. Low testosterone is directly linked to depressive symptoms, and imbalances in estrogen, prolactin, vasopressin, and cortisol may hinder father-infant bonding, further exacerbating PPD symptoms.

In fact the study also goes on to note that fathers can experience prenatal depression like mothers too. While it depends on the kind of environment they are in, here are some of the common reasons why dads feel this way:

Hormonal Changes: As per a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Human Biology, titled Prenatal hormones in first-time expectant parents: Longitudinal changes and within-couple correlations, showed that fathers experience hormonal changes during and after their partner's pregnancy. The main reason is the decline in testosterone.

Feeling Disconnected: While dads also want to be part of the newborn experience, the baby usually spends most of the time with the mother. It may make them feel like they are on the "outside".

Other reasons include the pressure that a father feels. Parenting is not easy, it adds on to financial pressure, and this thought could also lead to depression. Especially, if depression runs in father's family, he is more likely to feel depressed with these changes around him. Most new parents underestimate the role lack of sleep plays in their lives. Staying up all night trying to get your baby to eat or sleep can leave you feeling sleep deprived, which could be one of the reasons why the father too may feel tired and depressed.

What Can Be Done?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that postpartum depression screenings not be solely the responsibility of obstetrician, and it must be done by pediatricians too to incorporate maternal health. However, fathers too should go for such screenings. In fact, in 2020, an editorial in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics called on pediatricians to assess the mental health of all new parents regardless of gender.

The ray of hope here is that more and more people are talking about it and are able to recognize the depression dads also go through. The change is not just for moms, but also for dads, thus it is important that they also are taken care of.

The rates of resistance to recommended antibiotics are rising among newborns in the US, according to an analysis of invasive Escherichia coli samples.

E coli is a major neonatal pathogen in the United States and a leading cause of sepsis and mortality in newborns.

“Mortality due to E. coli sepsis remains high, especially in preterm newborns. Resistance to beta-lactams and aminoglycosides, the most common empiric treatments for E. coli sepsis, is worsening,” said researchers from the University of Missouri.

They called for tailoring treatment regimens against neonatal E. coli sepsis according to evolving antibiotic resistance trends.

“Neonatal sepsis isolates are characterized by specific genomic traits indicative of virulent phenotypes that need continued surveillance,” they added in the research published in the Open Forum Infectious Diseases journal.

What Are the Key Findings?

The researchers identified and analyzed E coli isolated from blood cultures of newborns at the hospital from 2006 to 2021. They intended to investigate the clinical characteristics of newborns with E coli bacteremia (bacteria in the blood), and the pattern of antibiotic resistance in E coli isolates over time.

“This knowledge is crucial to develop effective preventative and treatment strategies for this devastating disease,” the researchers wrote.

Of the 54 newborns identified with E coli bacteremia

• 7 developed early-onset sepsis (within 72 hours of birth or less),
• 12 were treated for E coli meningitis,
• 2 had necrotizing enterocolitis.
• Five of the newborns died, including three who were born preterm.

Antibiotic susceptibility analysis found 54 per cent of E coli isolates overall were non-susceptible to ampicillin and 11 per cent were non-susceptible to gentamicin—the two antibiotics recommended for first-line treatment in newborns with sepsis.

Also read: US CDC Links Recent Salmonella Outbreak To Backyard Poultry

Meanwhile, nonsusceptibility to ampicillin rose from 46 per cent to 61 per cent between 2006-2013 and 2014-2021.

The percentage of isolates that were non-susceptible to cefazolin, an alternative therapy, rose from 8 per cent to 36 per cent.

Whole genome sequencing revealed that the most prominent E coli sequence types (STs) were

• ST95 (17 per cent),
• ST69 (11 per cent),
• ST131 (7 per cent),
• 43 per cent of isolates contained the K1 capsule, which plays a crucial role in disease progression.

“Understanding genomic traits and molecular epidemiology trends of neonatal E. coli invasive strains is also crucial to develop novel preventative and treatment strategies that are urgently needed,” they wrote.

What Is Antibiotic Resistance?

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According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria learn to withstand the medicines(antibiotics) that are supposed to kill them. It's like the bacteria have developed a suit of armor against the drug.

When this happens, doctors have to switch to different antibiotics. These backup medicines might not work as well or might cause more side effects. Sometimes, a bacteria can become resistant to all available drugs, which leaves the patient with a dangerous infection that doctors have no way to treat. The alarming thing is that these tough, drug-resistant bacteria can spread from one person to another, both in hospitals and at home.

A 2025 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that one out of every six serious infections confirmed in labs worldwide in 2024 could not be killed by the antibiotics meant to treat them.

The report noted that the standard, first-choice antibiotic is failing against over 40 per cent of E. coli.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in children. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in cases.

According to the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, the signs of asthma can range from a cough that lingers for days or weeks to a sudden and scary inability to breathe effectively.

Coughing, wheezing, or a whistling sound is often mistaken for a common cold. However, experts warn that these symptoms should not be ignored and advise consulting an allergist.

Why Asthma Is Rising Among Children?

Dr Shivanshu Raj Goyal, Associate Director & Unit Head - Pulmonology, Max Hospital, Gurugram, told HealthandMe that "increasing levels of air pollution, exposure to allergens, changing weather, respiratory infections, and lifestyle factors are the major reasons behind a surge in asthma cases among children."

Children in urban areas are particularly at risk due to ongoing exposure to vehicle emissions, dust, and indoor pollutants.

Dr. Robin Gupta, Associate Director - Pulmonology, Paras Health Panchkula, also attributed the rising cases of asthma among children to worsening air quality and increased exposure to dust and indoor irritants."

The experts warned that parents should be aware of the early warning signs of asthma. These signs are often mistaken for frequent colds or seasonal allergies.

Symptoms include

• recurring coughing,
• especially at night or after physical activity,
• wheezing,
• shortness of breath,
• chest tightness,
• frequent respiratory infections.

Common asthma triggers include

• dust mites,
• pollen,
• pet dander,
• mold,
• smoke,
• strong scents,
• viral infections.

Asthma: Diagnosis And Treatment

Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial to preventing complications. Parents should talk to a pediatrician or pulmonologist if symptoms continue or happen often. Asthma is usually manageable with inhalers, prescribed medications, and avoiding known triggers.

It’s important to know that inhalers are safe and often the most effective way to deliver medication directly to the lungs.

Dr. Gupta told HealthandMe that early diagnosis makes a significant difference, as asthma can be effectively managed with the right treatment.

Other measures include:

• Keeping the home environment clean,
• Avoiding smoke exposure,
• Following medical advice can help prevent frequent flare-ups and support A child’s overall well-being.
• Parents can help reduce the risk of flare-ups by keeping
• homes free of dust,
• Avoiding smoking around children,
• Ensuring good ventilation,
• Promoting physical activity, and staying up to date on vaccinations.
• With proper management and awareness, children with asthma can lead healthy, active, and normal lives. Early intervention is key to better long-term respiratory health.

Amid rising obesity, early diabetes risk, and mental health issues among children, India has expanded its child health screening program to include behavioral disorders and non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare rolled out the screening measures under the revised Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 guidelines.

The guidelines include steps to address mental health conditions and early risk factors for diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These were released at the recently concluded National Summit on Good Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare Service Delivery.

The screening services are free and will be delivered through mobile health teams at Anganwadi centers and schools, ensuring universal outreach and early identification.

What Does The RBSK 2.0 Guideline Include?

• The guidance document establishes, for the first time, a structured and standardized national framework for the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of childhood diabetes. It calls for universal screening of all children from birth to 18 years.

• Suspected cases will undergo immediate blood glucose testing and timely referral to district-level health facilities for confirmatory diagnosis and treatment.

• A free-of-cost care package will be available at public health facilities. This includes screening, diagnostic services, lifelong insulin therapy, monitoring devices such as glucometers and test strips, and regular follow-up care. This will reduce the financial burden and ensure uninterrupted treatment for children diagnosed with diabetes.

• The initiative promotes the “4Ts” awareness framework—Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, and Thinner—enabling parents, teachers, and caregivers to recognize early warning signs of Type 1 diabetes.

• The document also emphasizes the need to provide structured training on insulin administration, blood glucose monitoring, emergency response, and daily disease management. It outlines evidence-based treatment guidelines, regular monitoring schedules, and protocols for preventing complications.

• RBSK 2.0 introduces digital health cards, real-time data systems, and integrated platforms for tracking, monitoring, and service delivery. These digital innovations are expected to enhance program efficiency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making across all levels of implementation.

Signs Of Diabetes In Children

Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus can develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if it is not diagnosed on time, since they are insulin-dependent.

Dr. Archana Arya, Senior Consultant Pediatric & Adolescent Endocrinologist at the Institute of Child Health, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, told HealthandMe that DKA requires hospitalization for treatment, and if undiagnosed, it can lead to coma and death. Early diagnosis reduces morbidity and hospital admissions.

These children present with typical symptoms such as

• increased thirst,
• frequent urination,
• weight loss.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus may or may not present with typical symptoms, and children may develop long-term complications such as retinopathy and nephropathy if the condition goes undiagnosed for a prolonged period.

All overweight and obese children, especially those with a family history of Type 2 diabetes, those with acanthosis nigricans (thickened and dark skin behind the neck and underarms), and girls with PCOS are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and should be screened annually to prevent complications.

The expert added that children with diabetes are at a higher risk of depression (2–3 times higher prevalence), anxiety, and suicidal ideation (in 8–27 percent of youth) due to dietary restrictions and the burden of multiple insulin injections in Type 1 diabetes. Diabetic youth are 1.7 times more likely to attempt suicide, often through insulin overdose.

Why Is The Initiative Important?

Dr. Seema Dhir, Unit Head & Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Artemis Hospitals, told HealthandMe that good health in early life is essential for preventing non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Diabetes is often linked to poor lifestyle and health choices.

Early monitoring, detection, and effective management can reduce the growing burden of diabetes.

Dr. Munia Bhattacharya, Senior Consultant – Clinical Psychology, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, emphasized that preventing non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity begins with maintaining both mental and physical well-being.

Providing mental support to children helps them cope better with stress and reduces the risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Children who are encouraged to express their feelings and seek help are less likely to experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies. Early awareness also builds coping skills, decision-making abilities, and healthier lifestyles—paving the way for long-term well-being and a more balanced, confident future.