Postpartum Health and Depression

Good postpartum health is as important as prenatal care. After your baby is born, it may seem impossible to do anything other than eat, sleep, and care for your baby and that's okay. Get as much rest as possible and know that you may still have cramps or swollen legs and feet. Look for signs that you may be experiencing postpartum depression, such as lingering feelings of sadness or anxiety.

Postpartum Depression

Also called: Post-pregnancy depression

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

Postpartum depression

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Postpartum Depressionis the National Institute of Mental Health

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Find health information in languages other than English on Postpartum Depression

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Summary

Many women have the baby blues after childbirth. If you have the baby blues, you may have mood swings, feel sad, anxious or overwhelmed, have crying spells, lose your appetite, or have trouble sleeping. The baby blues most often go away within a few days or a week. The symptoms are not severe and do not need treatment.

The symptoms of postpartum depression last longer and are more severe. You may also feel hopeless and worthless, and lose interest in the baby. You may have thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby. Very rarely, new mothers develop something even more serious. They may have hallucinations or try to hurt themselves or the baby. They need to get treatment right away, often in the hospital.

Postpartum depression can begin anytime within the first year after childbirth. The cause is not known. Hormonal and physical changes after birth and the stress of caring for a new baby may play a role. Women who have had depression are at higher risk.

If you think you have postpartum depression, tell your health care provider. Medicines, including antidepressants and talk therapy can help you get well.

Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health

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Depression During and After Pregnancy(Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)Also in Spanish
Postpartum Depression (Nemours Foundation)
Postpartum Depression (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
Postpartum Depression (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
Postpartum Depression Facts (National Institute of Mental Health)Also in Spanish

Diagnosis and Tests

Postpartum Depression Screening (National Library of Medicine)Also in Spanish

Treatments and Therapies

Antidepressants: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine)Also in Spanish
Depression Treatment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Psychotherapies (National Institute of Mental Health)