Original source overview
What is postpartum depression?Having a baby can be exciting, but it can also be stressful and bring many strong emotions. During the postpartum period, which is the time after you give birth, you may have mood swings, crying spells, or feel anxious. These feelings are common and are often called the postpartum "baby blues". The baby blues usually go away within a few days to a week.
If your symptoms are more severe and last longer than two weeks, you may have postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is a common but serious mood disorder that can begin anytime within the first year after childbirth. Without treatment, symptoms may make it hard to care for your baby or manage daily tasks.
What causes postpartum depression?The exact cause is unknown, but postpartum depression likely results from a combination of factors, including:
• Sudden changes in hormone levels after pregnancy • Physical changes, such as dropping thyroid hormone levels • Lifestyle factors, such as fatigue, lack of sleep, limited support, or recent stressful events
Who is at risk for postpartum depression?Anyone can develop postpartum depression after childbirth. You might be at higher risk if you:
• Have a history of depression, bipolar disorder, or a family health history of these conditions • Had a multiple birth (twins, triplets, or more) • Gave birth while in your teens • Had health problems during pregnancy • Had preterm labor or other complications during childbirth • Have a baby with special needs • Have ever experienced domestic violence • Are dealing with financial stress • Had an unplanned pregnancy
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?Postpartum depression symptoms are more intense and last longer than the baby blues.
Symptoms may include:
• Feeling sad or empty most of the time • Eating too much or too little • Sleeping too much or too little • Crying more than usual or for no clear reason • Feeling unusually angry • Pulling away from family and friends • Feeling worried or anxious often • Feeling little or no interest in your baby • Constant doubts about your ability to care for your baby • Thinking of harming yourself or your baby
If you have thoughts about suicide, or hurting yourself or your baby get help right away:
• Call 911 or go to your local emergency room • Contact a crisis hotline. In the United States, you can reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at any time:
• Call or text 988 • Chat online with Lifeline Chat • TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
• Veterans can contact the Veterans Crisis Line:
• Call 988, then press 1 • Text 838255 • Chat online
• Call your mental health provider or other health care provider • Reach out to a loved one or close friend
If these symptoms begin during pregnancy and continue after childbirth, it's called perinatal depression. Without treatment, it can affect bonding with your baby and may contribute to feeding or sleeping problems.
Very rarely, a new mother may develop postpartum psychosis, a medical emergency. Symptoms may include confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), or dangerous behaviors. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if this happens.
How is postpartum depression diagnosed?Your provider may diagnose postpartum depression using:
• Screening questions or questionnaires, such as those about your mood, sleep, and thoughts. • A clinical evaluation based on your symptoms. • Blood tests, if needed, to check for physical conditions such as thyroid disorders, that can cause or worsen depression.
What is the treatment for postpartum depression?If you think you have postpartum depression, talk with your provider. Treatments may include:
• Medicines, including antidepressants • Talk therapy (counseling)
Tell your provider if you are breastfeeding so they can choose the safest treatment options.
Along with these treatment options, there are things you can do at home that may help you feel better, such as:
• Asking for help with caring for the baby and household chores • Taking time for yourself • Getting physical activity, such as walking • Resting when the baby rests
Can postpartum depression be prevented?You may be able to lower your risk for postpartum depression by:
• Talking with your provider during pregnancy about any history of depression • Completing recommended screening questionnaires during pregnancy and after birth • Getting support from family, friends, or support groups • Attending early Physical changes so symptoms can be found and treated as soon as possible
Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health
Encyclopedic background — Wikipedia
The following selected excerpts provide background on “Postpartum depression”. The scope here is Postpartum Depression; it does not establish an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. They are not a substitute for the source overview or current local clinical guidance. Each excerpt below comes from the fixed Wikipedia revision [W1].
Definition and overview [W1]
Postpartum depression (PPD), from Latin post partum (after birth), also known as perinatal depression, is a mood disorder which may be experienced by pregnant or postpartum women. Symptoms include extreme sadness, low energy, anxiety, crying episodes, irritability, and extreme changes in sleeping or eating patterns. PPD can also negatively affect the newborn child.
Although the exact cause of PPD is unclear, it is believed to be due to a combination of physical, emotional, genetic, and social factors such as hormone imbalances and sleep deprivation. Risk factors include prior episodes of postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, a family history of depression, psychological stress, complications of childbirth, lack of support, or a drug use disorder. Diagnosis is based on a person's symptoms. While most women experience a brief period of worry or unhappiness after delivery, postpartum depression should be suspected when symptoms are severe and last over two weeks.
Among those at risk, providing psychosocial support may be protective in preventing PPD. This may include community support such as food, household chores, mother care, and companionship. Treatment for PPD may include counseling or medications. Types of counseling that are effective include interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy. Tentative evidence supports the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Signs and symptoms [W1]
Symptoms of PPD can occur at any time in the first year postpartum. Typically, a diagnosis of postpartum depression is considered after signs and symptoms persist for at least two weeks.
Causes [W1]
The cause of PPD is unknown. Hormonal and physical changes, personal and family history of depression, and the stress of caring for a new baby all may contribute to the development of postpartum depression.
Allopregnanolone, a derivative of progesterone, has been linked to the pathophysiology of PPD due to its role in modulating GABA receptors. Allopregnanolone levels dramatically decrease following childbirth. A decline in allopregnanolone has been associated with depression like symptoms in mice.
Estradiol, which helps the uterus thicken and grow, is thought to contribute to the development of PPD. This is due to its relationship with serotonin. Estradiol levels increase during pregnancy, then drastically decrease following childbirth. When estradiol levels drop postpartum, the levels of serotonin decline as well. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Low serotonin levels cause feelings of depression and anxiety. Thus, when estradiol levels are low, serotonin can be low, suggesting that estradiol plays a role in the development of PPD.
Risk factors [W1]
While the causes of PPD are not understood, several factors have been suggested to increase the risk. These risks can be broken down into two categories, biological and psychosocial:
Reading this topic in context
Use “Postpartum Depression” as a starting point for a focused discussion, rather than treating every statement in the broader encyclopedia article as applying to you. The original source overview and the background excerpts answer different questions: the overview explains the health topic for readers, while the encyclopedia supplies terminology and general context. Keep a record of which questions concern symptoms, a confirmed diagnosis, prevention, or an existing treatment. This helps a healthcare professional address the relevant issue without relying on an internet label.
Questions to take to a professional
1. How can we distinguish temporary adjustment from depression requiring treatment?
2. Who can help with the parent's safety, support and ongoing care?
Evidence, scope and next steps
The health-topic overview is attributed to MedlinePlus / the National Library of Medicine at the original topic link below. Wikipedia [W1] is a secondary background source; its references can support further reading, but their presence is not evidence that WellPrimer has independently reviewed every study. No clinical review, guideline certification or NLM endorsement is claimed. For screening intervals, diagnostic thresholds, pregnancy or child-specific advice and treatment choices, check current guidance in your country with a qualified professional. Do not start, stop or change a prescribed medicine based on encyclopedia excerpts. New or worsening symptoms need appropriate clinical assessment rather than more reading alone.
Attribution and reuse
[W1] Wikipedia contributors, “Postpartum depression”. Version 1379397514, edited 2026-10-09. Retrieved 2026-10-16. Fixed revision: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Postpartum_depression&oldid=1379397514. Contributor history: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Postpartum_depression&action=history. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ .
The MedlinePlus health-topic summary retains its original attribution. Wikipedia excerpts and the added compilation/commentary are shared under CC BY-SA 4.0; selections, section ordering and editorial reading prompts have been added. No images are reused. This is an educational compilation, not a clinician-reviewed guideline.