After giving birth, you’ll experience a whole mix of feelings—everything from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But you might also face something unexpected: depression.
Most new moms go through what’s known as “postpartum blues,” which usually involves mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. This typically starts in the first 2 to 3 days after childbirth and can last up to two weeks.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Some moms experience a more intense and long-lasting form of sadness called postpartum depression. Sometimes it’s referred to as perinatal depression because it can start during pregnancy and continue after the baby is born. In rare cases, a severe mood disorder called postpartum psychosis can occur.
Postpartum depression isn’t a sign of weakness or a personal flaw. It’s often just a side effect of childbirth. If you’re dealing with it, timely treatment can help you manage symptoms and bond with your baby.
Signs of Postpartum Depression
The symptoms of postpartum blues can vary from mild to severe and typically last a few days to one or two weeks. They include:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Crying frequently
- Trouble concentrating
- Appetite changes
- Sleep problems
Postpartum depression may initially seem like postpartum blues, but the symptoms are more severe and last longer. It can affect your ability to care for your baby and handle daily tasks. Symptoms usually show up in the first few weeks after childbirth, but they can start earlier, during pregnancy, or even up to a year after the baby is born.
Causes of Postpartum Depression
- Hormonal Changes: After childbirth, your estrogen and progesterone levels drop sharply, which can contribute to feelings of depression. Changes in thyroid hormones can also lead to fatigue and depression.
- Emotional Factors: Extreme fatigue, worries about taking care of the baby, changes in body image, and feeling out of control can all lead to postpartum depression.
- Genetic Factors: A family history of depression or other mood disorders can increase your risk of postpartum depression.
- Environmental Factors: Financial troubles, relationship issues, and a lack of strong support systems can be significant contributors to postpartum depression.
Potential Complications
For Mom: If left untreated, postpartum depression can turn into a chronic depressive disorder, impacting family relationships and increasing the risk of suicide.
For Others: Postpartum depression can affect the baby’s father and other family members, and may also increase the father’s risk of depression.
For Baby: Babies whose mothers suffer from postpartum depression are at higher risk for behavioral and emotional issues, sleep and feeding problems, and delays in speech and development.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re feeling down after having your baby, you might hesitate or feel ashamed to reach out. But if you’re experiencing any symptoms of postpartum blues or depression, talk to your doctor. If you suspect you might be dealing with 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 for signs of depression. You might be asked to fill out depression screening questionnaires during pregnancy and after birth. In some cases, mild depression can be managed with counseling or other therapies. In other cases, antidepressants may be recommended, even during pregnancy.