Postpartum Depression
(Baby Blues)
In this condition factsheet:
The Facts on Postpartum Depression
Having a baby is one of life's most wonderful experiences. It's exciting and joyous, but it can also be exhausting and frightening. After a woman has had a baby, she may find that she is confused and overwhelmed about the various emotions that she feels. She may worry that she's unable to deal with the responsibility of being a full-time parent.
After childbirth, many women experience symptoms of depression that can range from a brief attack of the "baby blues" to a serious and major clinical depression known as postpartum depression. A great majority of new mothers, about 80%, will experience a mild form of "baby blues," usually within a few days after giving birth. These feelings will usually resolve on their own and often go away within 7 to 10 days.
Postpartum depression affects about 10% to 20% of new mothers. This type of depression can affect women who have never been depressed before. Approximately 50% of women who were depressed during or after their pregnancy will also experience depression during future pregnancies. Postpartum depression may begin anytime in the first 6 months after delivery.
Postpartum psychosis is the most severe form of postpartum depression. It is relatively rare, and requires immediate discussion and treatment with a qualified health care provider.
Causes of Postpartum Depression
There has been no single cause identified for postpartum depression. In fact, many factors can contribute to it. They may include:
- hormonal changes
- disappointment in birth experience
- a sense of loss from no longer being pregnant
- level of marital satisfaction
- caring for a very needy baby
- lack of family and social support
- exhaustion
- family history of postpartum depression
- history of depression
Symptoms and Complications of Postpartum Depression
For women experiencing the "baby blues," feelings of sadness, anger, irritability, and insecurity are common. Self-doubts about being a competent mother may contribute to these feelings. Bursting into tears often occurs without reason.
"Baby blues" may also include the occasional negative thought about the baby. While these feelings are upsetting and disturbing, they're actually perfectly normal, and women shouldn't feel guilty for having them.
Postpartum depression is more severe and longer-lasting than the "baby
blues." In addition to the above symptoms women may also experience:
- constant fatigue
- lack of joy in life
- sense of numbness
- social withdrawal from family and friends
- lack of concern for self or the newborn baby
- severe insomnia
- excessive concern for the baby
- loss of sexual responsiveness
- strong sense of failure and inadequacy
- severe mood swings
- appetite changes
- thoughts of suicide
Postpartum depression actually resembles many other forms of depression, with the added dimension that some of the symptoms involve thoughts about the baby. For example, the woman may not be either too concerned about the baby or not concerned enough; she may also have thoughts or fears of harming the baby.
Postpartum psychosis is a very serious condition that usually begins a couple of days or weeks after childbirth. A woman experiencing this form of depression has become severely depressed and may experience acute anxiety, restlessness, hallucinations, paranoia, and hysteria and have thoughts related to harming herself or the baby.
