An experience like a couple having their first baby is an exhilarating, magical event that strengthens their bond. However, research proves otherwise as it found that after a couple has their first baby, there are a few hurdles that they need to jump over to survive.

According to co-author Dr. Hanna Woolhouse of the Health Mothers Healthy Families Research Group, Murdock Childrens Research Institute in Victoria, Australia, a large percentage of women who reported to have depressive symptoms after giving birth to their first child also reported intimate partner violence.

In their study, 1,305 women who were on their way to having their first baby were recruited to be observed for depressive symptoms. In addition, data on intimate partner violence was collected among the recruits at the 12 month follow-up.

Information gathered among the women recruited showed that 16% of them had depressive symptoms in the 12 months postpartum, with most women having depressive symptoms in the second six months after birth.

Dr. Woolhouse explained that the known risk factors for developing postnatal depression include a history of depression, stressful life events or social health issues, low social support, low income, and poor partner relationships.

When it comes to intimate partner violence in the year after having their first baby, data showed that one in six women experienced it. Breaking it down, 14% reported emotional violence while 8% of them reported physical violence.

The researchers warned that intimate partner violence, both physical and emotional abuse, in the perinatal period is linked to a range of physical and psychological health problems as well as increasing the risk of their children having behavioral problems in the future.

However, these hurdles that couples face after having their first child can easily be avoided or prepared for. According to two sites for mothers and for married couples, ExpectantMothersGuide.com and KidSpot.com.au, respectively, some tips that couples should be reminded of are:

- Direct communication between the couple should increase

- Share baby duties and responsibilities

- Maintain sense of humor

- Open up and accept help from others

- Prepare or build a mutual support system

- Spend some time out as a couple

- Be prepared to have some changes in sex life

- For mothers to accept or come to terms with post-pregnancy body

- Allow self to have post-birth feelings