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Post-partum depression

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Depression - postpartum

Definition:

Post-partum depression is severe depression in a woman after she has given birth. It may occur soon after delivery or up to a year later. Most of the time, it occurs sometime in the first 4 weeks after delivery.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Expected Mood Changes

Women commonly have mood changes during pregnancy. They are caused by changes in hormone levels. Many mood changes are normal and even expected, since having a baby can lead to several lifestyle changes. Support from your family and friends can help.

Post-partum Blues

Approximately 50 - 70% of women may experience depression for a short time after pregnancy. These are feelings of anxiety, irritation, tearfulness, and restlessness that are often called “the post-partum blues.” This generally occurs in the first few weeks after pregnancy and goes away soon, without the need for treatment.

Post-partum Depression

Post-partum depression is a more serious condition that affects between 8 - 20% of women after pregnancy, especially the first 4 weeks. It is necessary to seek medical attention to treat post-partum depression. You may have a higher chance of post-partum depression if you:

• Had a mood or anxiety disorder prior to pregnancy, including depression with a previous pregnancy
• Have a close family member who has had depression or anxiety
• Had something stressful happened to you during the pregnancy, including illness, death or illness of a loved one, a difficult or emergency delivery, premature delivery, or illness or abnormality in the baby
• Are under age 20
• Did not plan the pregnancy or do not want the pregnancy
• Currently abuse alcohol, take illegal substances, or smoke (these are also serious medical health risks for the baby)
• Have little support from family, friends, and a significant other
• Have a poor relationship with your husband, boyfriend, or significant other or are unmarried
• Previously attempted suicide
• Have financial problems (low income, poor housing)
• Received poor support from your parents in childhood

• Review Date: 1/23/2007
• Reviewed By: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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