Postpartum depression
Perinatal depression is depression during pregnancy or in the weeks and months after birth. NIMH says it can affect anyone who is pregnant or postpartum, it is not caused by anything a person did or did not do, and with treatment most people feel better.
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Get help now
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call or text 988, or call 911. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline — 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) — offers free, confidential support by call or text, 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish. Postpartum psychosis (delusions, hallucinations, mania, paranoia, confusion) is an emergency: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Baby blues or postpartum depression?
| Baby blues | Postpartum depression | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | The first 2 weeks after birth | Most episodes begin within 4 to 8 weeks after birth; can start in pregnancy |
| Severity | Mild, short-lasting worry, unhappiness, exhaustion | Extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that make daily tasks hard |
| Without treatment | Passes on its own | NIMH says it generally will not get better without treatment |
From NIMH. Mood changes that are severe or last longer than 2 weeks after birth may be postpartum depression.
Common symptoms (NIMH)
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks
- Hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or irritability
- Loss of interest in activities; fatigue
- Trouble sleeping even when the baby sleeps, or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Trouble bonding with the baby, or persistent doubts about caring for the baby
- Thoughts of death, of harming yourself or the baby, or suicide
NIMH says anyone with these symptoms should see a health care provider.
Risk factors
NIMH lists life stress, the physical and emotional demands of childbirth and caring for a newborn, and hormonal changes. The risk is higher with a personal or family history of depression or bipolar disorder, or depression in a previous pregnancy — if that applies, NIMH suggests making a follow-up plan with your provider.
Treatment
Treatment usually involves therapy, medication, or both. NIMH names cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy as evidence-based talk therapies for perinatal depression, and notes that antidepressants usually take 4 to 8 weeks to work. A provider can explain the options and help you choose based on your symptoms.
Common questions
- How long does postpartum depression last?
- It varies. NIMH says it generally does not get better without treatment, and that with treatment most people improve.
- Can family members call the maternal mental health hotline?
- Yes. NIMH describes the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline as free, confidential support for mothers and their families before, during, and after pregnancy, available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
Sources
- Perinatal Depression (opens in a new tab) — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (opens in a new tab) — 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Questions about this page
Tell us if something here is unclear or a source has changed. We cannot answer questions about your own pregnancy or care — please ask your OB, midwife, or care team. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Crisis: call or text 988.
We can’t answer questions about your own diagnosis, medication, or treatment — please ask your prescriber. We also can’t book appointments, check your insurance, or refer you to a clinic.
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Every clinical statement on this page comes from a source listed above. If one has changed, tell us and we will correct the page.