Pregnancy: Postpartum Depression

While it is normal to have the "baby blues" during the first 2 weeks after childbirth, postpartum depression is different. It is a severe type of depression that can affect you for up to a year after you have had a baby. It makes it hard for you to take care of yourself. It affects how you bond with your baby and how your baby develops. It may also put you and your baby at risk, since you may become less able to care for yourself or your baby.

What causes postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression may be caused by sudden hormone changes after childbirth. The stress of having a baby is another factor.

Who is more likely to have it?

Postpartum depression is common. It's more likely that it will occur if you:

  • Have had postpartum depression before.
  • Have poor support from your family, partner, and friends.
  • Have a lot of stress from things like a sick or colicky newborn, financial troubles, or family problems.
  • Have physical limitations or problems after childbirth.
  • Have had depression before or you have it during your current pregnancy.
  • Have bipolar disorder.
  • Have a family history of depression or bipolar disorder.
  • Have had premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is the severe type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

People who have a stillbirth or miscarriage also can get postpartum depression.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can occur in the first day or two after the birth. Or they can follow the symptoms of the baby blues after a couple of weeks.

  • You feel very sad, hopeless, and empty. You also may feel anxious.
  • You get little or no pleasure from daily life.
  • You feel very tired.
  • You are not able to sleep, or you want to sleep all the time.
  • You feel that you are worthless and guilty.
  • You have a change in appetite.
  • You are not able to concentrate.
  • You have thoughts about suicide.

Most people who have just had a baby feel one or more of these symptoms. Usually these symptoms go away or get better over time. When you have postpartum depression, these symptoms do not get better and do not go away.

Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms so your doctor can determine if you have postpartum depression.

If you have any symptoms that prevent you from taking care of your baby or yourself, talk to your doctor right away.

Can postpartum depression be treated?

Postpartum depression can be treated. Medicine or counseling, and sometimes both, are used. Early treatment is important for you, your baby, and the rest of your family. The sooner you start, the more quickly you will recover.

Treatment options

Treatment for postpartum depression includes:

  • Counseling for both you and your partner.
    • Counseling may work as well as medicine for mild symptoms.
    • Counseling may help you change your negative thoughts and learn ways to cope. It can help to show you that you are normal and that you can get better.
  • Antidepressants.
    • Medicine relieves symptoms for most women.
    • Your doctor may give you a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or another type of antidepressant medicine.
    • Because you may be more sensitive to medicine after giving birth, you may start with a lower dose.

Some people may have thoughts of suicide or scary thoughts about hurting the baby. People with rare postpartum psychosis can have these thoughts as urges that they feel they must act on. If you think you cannot keep from hurting yourself, your baby, or someone else, see your doctor right away or call 911 for emergency medical care.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

  • Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
  • Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
  • Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Do you have any questions or concerns after reading this information? It's a good idea to write them down and take them to your next doctor visit.