Post means "after," and partum means "pregnancy," so postpartum refers to the time period after you have a baby. It's usually considered the first 6 weeks.
Depression is feeling so sad and hopeless that you can't do your normal activities.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is depression that starts during the weeks and months after having a baby.
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It’s common to feel sad or miserable in the first few days after giving birth—these feelings, called “the baby blues,” are normal and usually go away within 2 weeks
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Postpartum depression is a more serious mood change that lasts for weeks or months
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You have trouble doing daily activities and may lose interest in your baby
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About 1 in 10 women gets postpartum depression
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It can happen even if you never had depression before
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If untreated, postpartum depression can last for months or years
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Doctors treat postpartum depression with antidepressants and therapy
Go to the hospital right away if you're thinking of suicide or having violent thoughts, such as hurting your baby.
What causes postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression may be caused by the sudden drop in hormone levels after your baby is born.
Many women have no risk factors. But you’re more likely to get postpartum depression if you:
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Have depression before or during pregnancy—tell your doctor if you had depression before you got pregnant
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Had postpartum depression in a previous pregnancy
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Have sadness or depression during your period or while taking birth control
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Have family members who have depression
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Are stressed by things like money or marriage problems
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Lack support from a partner or family members
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Had problems related to your pregnancy, such as an early delivery or a baby with birth defects
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Weren't sure you wanted a baby (for example, the pregnancy was unplanned)
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
When should I go to the doctor for postpartum depression?
How can doctors tell if I have postpartum depression?
Doctors diagnose postpartum depression by asking you questions.
Sometimes doctors do blood tests to see if there is another problem, such as a thyroid disorder, causing your symptoms.
How do doctors treat postpartum depression?
Doctors treat postpartum depression with:
If your depression is very severe of if you have postpartum psychosis, you may need to be treated in the hospital. Often your baby can stay with you. Doctors treat postpartum psychosis with antipsychotic medicine and antidepressants.
If you're breastfeeding, doctors will use medicines that are safe for your baby.
How can I prevent postpartum depression?
To prevent postpartum depression, try to:
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Get as much rest as possibly by napping when the baby naps
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Ask family members and friends for help
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Talk to your partner, family, or friends about your feelings
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Take a shower and get dressed every day
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Get out of the house—take a walk, meet with friends, or run an errand
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Spend time alone with your partner
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Join a support group to talk with other mothers
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Recognize that tiredness, doubts, and trouble concentrating are normal for new mothers and will pass
