Post-partum depression

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Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Post-partum depression

Alternative Names:

Depression - postpartum

Definition:

The first month after a delivery (the post-partum period) is a time of major changes for women. Their hormones and weight are rapidly readjusting. There may be new and stressful changes in relationships with other children, the father of the baby, parents and in-laws, colleagues at work, and friends. Of course, the new baby needs almost constant attention and feeding every two hours, resulting in sleep deprivation. All of these factors can contribute to post-partum mood swings.

If the moodiness only lasts 2 -3 weeks and then goes away, it's commonly called the "baby blues". This natural reaction to stress is experienced by more than half of new mothers.

However, if the feelings of depression or anxiety continue more than three weeks, a more serious condition called post-partum depression may exist. About 10% of women experience significant depression after a pregnancy.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

You have a higher chance of post-partum depression if:

You had mood or anxiety disorders prior to pregnancy, including depression with a previous pregnancy
You have a close family member who has had depression or anxiety
Anything particularly 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
You are in your teens or over age 30
The pregnancy is unwanted or unplanned
You currently abuse alcohol, take illegal substances, or smoke -- these are also serious medical health risks for the baby

Review Date: 10/16/2004
Reviewed By: Updates to specific sections made by Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by John Goldenring, M.D., MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, and Angela Smyth, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Reviews provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/12/2003).

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