After giving birth, you might experience a wide range of emotions—joy, excitement, fear, and anxiety. But sometimes, you might also face something unexpected: postpartum depression.
Most new moms experience something called the “baby blues,” which involves mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. This usually starts within the first 2 to 3 days after delivery and may last for up to two weeks.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Some mothers, however, go through a more intense and long-lasting sadness known as postpartum depression (PPD). Sometimes, it’s referred to as perinatal depression because it can begin during pregnancy and continue after delivery. In rare cases, a severe mood disorder called postpartum psychosis may also develop after childbirth.
Postpartum depression isn’t a sign of weakness or a character flaw. Sometimes it’s just a complication of giving birth. If you’re dealing with PPD, getting help early can make a big difference in managing symptoms and bonding with your baby.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary and range from mild to severe.
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Typical baby blues symptoms, lasting a few days to a week or two after your baby’s birth, include:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Crying
- Difficulty concentrating
- Appetite problems
- Trouble sleeping
Postpartum depression symptoms may be mistaken for baby blues at first, but they are more intense and last longer. These symptoms can eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms typically develop within the first few weeks after giving birth but may begin earlier—during pregnancy—or later, up to a year after birth.
Causes of Postpartum Depression
- Hormonal changes: After childbirth, the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop sharply, which can contribute to feelings of depression. Changes in thyroid hormones can also lead to fatigue and depression.
- Emotional factors: Exhaustion, anxiety about caring for your baby, feeling less attractive, and a loss of control over your life can all contribute to PPD.
- Genetics: A family history of depression or other mood disorders may increase the risk of developing PPD.
- Environmental factors: Financial struggles, relationship problems, and a lack of support systems can significantly raise the risk of PPD.
Potential Complications of Postpartum Depression
- For the mother: Untreated PPD can turn into chronic depression, negatively affecting relationships and increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts.
- For others: PPD can affect the baby’s father and other family members. Fathers may also experience an increased risk of depression.
- For the baby: Babies of mothers with PPD are at greater risk of behavioral and emotional issues, sleep and feeding problems, and developmental delays.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re feeling depressed after your baby is born, you might hesitate to admit it or feel ashamed. But if you’re experiencing any symptoms of baby blues or PPD, reach out to your doctor. If you have symptoms of postpartum psychosis, seek help immediately.
Prevention
If you have a history of depression, especially postpartum depression, let your doctor know if you’re planning a pregnancy or as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. During pregnancy, your doctor can monitor you closely for signs of depression. You may be asked to fill out depression screening questionnaires during pregnancy and after childbirth. In some cases, mild depression can be managed with support groups and therapy. In others, antidepressants may be recommended, even during pregnancy.