Postpartum Depression: What It Is, Symptoms, and Why It Is Dangerous

After childbirth, many expect joy but encounter emptiness, anxiety, and tears. Sometimes this passes within a few days, sometimes it drags on for months. Postpartum depression is a condition that is treatable, although recognizing it can be difficult.

Postpartum Depression: What It Is and How Common It Is

This is a depressive disorder that develops during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth. Symptoms may appear before the baby is born, soon after, or up to a year later. Without treatment, they interfere with caring for the baby and coping with everyday tasks.

It is estimated that approximately one in four women worldwide experiences the disorder, and in 2024 postpartum depression was linked to nearly one fifth of pregnancies. The likelihood of a depressive episode after childbirth is approximately twice as high as during other periods of life. At the same time, more than half of cases remain undiagnosed. This affects not only mothers: 8–26% of fathers report depressive symptoms in the first year of fatherhood.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression and How It Differs from the "Baby Blues"

The "baby blues" are mood swings, tears, and anxiety in the first days after childbirth. They usually resolve within a few days or a week, at most two weeks. If the feelings do not subside, intensify, or are hard to cope with, it may be depression.

In postpartum depression, symptoms are more intense and last longer. These include low mood, a sense of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness, constant anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping even when there is time to rest, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, little interest in the baby, or difficulty bonding with the baby.

Why Postpartum Depression Occurs: Risk Factors

The exact cause is unknown. A combination of hormonal changes after pregnancy, physical changes — for example, decreased thyroid hormone levels — fatigue and lack of sleep, lack of support, and recent stressful events is discussed. The risk is higher in the following circumstances:

• depression or another mental disorder before or during pregnancy, as well as in the family history;
• experienced violence — by a partner or in childhood;
• unintended pregnancy;
• lack of social support and sleep disturbances;
• multiple pregnancy, preterm birth, illness of the baby, financial difficulties.

Postpartum Psychosis: How It Differs from Depression and Why It Is an Emergency

Extremely rarely, a woman who has given birth develops postpartum psychosis — a condition requiring emergency care. Its signs are different: confusion, hallucinations (the woman sees or hears things that are not there), dangerous behavior. With psychosis, help is needed immediately.

Postpartum depression by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. You should call 103 or 112 if thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself or the child appear, as well as in cases of confusion, hallucinations, or dangerous behavior.

Depression During Pregnancy and When to See a Doctor

If symptoms began during pregnancy and continued after childbirth, this is called perinatal depression. The perinatal period is considered to be from pregnancy to 12 months after the birth of the child. Without treatment, the condition can interfere with bonding with the baby and affect feeding and sleep.

Diagnosis is based on a conversation about how you feel: the doctor asks about mood, sleep, and thoughts, may offer to fill out a questionnaire, and if necessary orders tests to rule out physical causes, such as thyroid dysfunction. You should see a doctor, midwife, or visiting nurse if low mood, anxiety, or irritability do not go away, intensify, or interfere with coping with caring for the child. Concerns that seeking help will lead to the child being taken away are in practice almost never justified: the team supports the mother and child.

This material is for reference: it helps you recognize yourself in the descriptions but does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer