Overview

The birth of a baby can start a variety of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect depression.

Most new moms experience postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues usually begin within the first 2 to 3 days after delivery and may last for up to two weeks.

But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Sometimes it's called peripartum depression because it can start during pregnancy and continue after childbirth. Rarely, an extreme mood disorder called postpartum psychosis also may develop after childbirth.

Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby.

Symptoms of depression after childbirth vary, and they can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms of baby blues which last only a few days to a week or two after your baby is born may include:

Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first but the symptoms are more intense and last longer. These may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth. But they may begin earlier during pregnancy or later up to a year after birth.

Postpartum depression symptoms may include:

Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.

With postpartum psychosis a rare condition that usually develops within the first week after delivery the symptoms are severe. Symptoms may include:

Postpartum psychosis may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors and requires immediate treatment.

Studies show that new fathers can experience postpartum depression, too. They may feel sad, tired, overwhelmed, anxious, or have changes in their usual eating and sleeping patterns. These are the same symptoms that mothers with postpartum depression experience.

Fathers who are young, have a history of depression, experience relationship problems or are struggling financially are most at risk of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression in fathers sometimes called paternal postpartum depression can have the same negative effect on partner relationships and child development as postpartum depression in mothers can.

If you're a partner of a new mother and are having symptoms of depression or anxiety during your partner's pregnancy or after your child's birth, talk to your health care provider. Similar treatments and supports provided to mothers with postpartum depression can help treat postpartum depression in the other parent.

If you're feeling depressed after your baby's birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your primary health care provider or your obstetrician or gynecologist and schedule an appointment. If you have symptoms that suggest you may have postpartum psychosis, get help immediately.

It's important to call your provider as soon as possible if the symptoms of depression have any of these features:

If at any point you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, immediately seek help from your partner or loved ones in taking care of your baby. Call 911 or your local emergency assistance number to get help.

Also consider these options if you're having suicidal thoughts:

People with depression may not recognize or admit that they're depressed. They may not be aware of signs and symptoms of depression. If you suspect that a friend or loved one has postpartum depression or is developing postpartum psychosis, help them seek medical attention immediately. Don't wait and hope for improvement.

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There is no single cause of postpartum depression, but genetics, physical changes and emotional issues may play a role.

Any new mom can experience postpartum depression and it can develop after the birth of any child, not just the first. However, your risk increases if:

Left untreated, postpartum depression can interfere with mother-child bonding and cause family problems.

If you have a history of depression especially postpartum depression tell your health care provider if you're planning on becoming pregnant or as soon as you find out you're pregnant.

Nov. 24, 2022

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Postpartum depression - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

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