Mommyato Blog | Postpartum Depression: What you Need to Know

04 Oct Postpartum Depression: What you Need to Know

Posted at 12:56h in Medical Concerns, Postpartum, Postpartum Depression by JessicaB

Depression during pregnancy and postpartum is the most common mental health condition

Being pregnant and becoming a parent is often a time of joy and excitement. It can also be a time of worry and doubt, especially if this is your first time becoming a parent.⁵. Postpartum depression, also known as PPD, affects women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Women with PPD often have intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair that prevent them from being able to do their daily tasks.⁴ PPD is the most common mental health condition impacting women of reproductive age. One in four women have PPD.³ PPD is never your fault.

PPD is one of several mood disorders that women can experience during or after pregnancy. For more information on other mental health conditions, check out this information in Mommyato.

How do I know if I have Baby Blues or PPD?

Baby blues usually occurs a few days after giving birth. Women with baby blues may have the same signs as PPD; however, these symptoms go away on their own in about 1-2 weeks. Some of the signs of baby blues include⁴:

Crying for no clear reason
Having trouble sleeping, eating, and making choices
Questioning whether they can handle caring for a baby
Experiencing anxiety, anger or agitation

Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing signs of baby blues. You can also learn more about strategies for addressing baby blues.

Am I at Risk for Postpartum Depression?

It is important to know the risk factors for PPD. Knowing the signs and symptoms of PPD will allow for early identification and treatment. The following are common risk factors associated with PPD.²

A personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or postpartum depression
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD or PMS)
Inadequate support in caring for the baby
Financial stress
Marital stress
Complications in pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding
A major recent life event: loss, house move, job loss
Mothers of multiples
Mothers whose infants are in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
Mothers who’ve gone through infertility treatments
Women with a thyroid imbalance
Women with any form of diabetes (type 1, type 2 or gestational)

Be sure to discuss PPD with your healthcare provider, even if you don’t have risk factors. Share any questions or concerns you may have about PPD.

How do I know if I or someone I care about has Postpartum Depression?

PPD presents itself in many ways. Here are the most common signs and symptoms of PPD.¹

Changes in your feelings:

Feeling depressed most of the day every day
Feeling shame, guilt or like a failure
Feeling panicked or scared a lot of the time
Having severe mood swings

Changes in your everyday life:

Having little interest in things you normally like to do
Feeling tired all the time
Eating a lot more or a lot less than is normal for you
Gaining or losing weight
Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Having trouble concentrating or making decisions

Changes in how you think about yourself or your baby:

Having trouble bonding with your baby
Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby
Thinking about suicide (killing yourself)

Assess your risk of PPD with Mommyato’s PPD assessment tool.

Getting Help for PPD

Postpartum depression is often treated with medications called antidepressants. Talk therapy is also used to treat depression, often in combination with medications.⁴

If you think you may have PPD, you are not alone. Getting help is essential and with treatment and support you can feel better. Call your healthcare provider right away. Do not wait for your 6-week check-up to let your provider know. If you’re worried about hurting yourself or your baby, call emergency services at 911.¹

Here’s additional information on getting help.

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