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GoodRx Guide

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Comprehensive information for you or a loved one — including treatment options and discounts on popular medications.
Sarah Gupta, MDSophie Vergnaud, MD
Written by Sarah Gupta, MD | Reviewed by Sophie Vergnaud, MD
Published on September 24, 2021

Definition

Having a baby is a major life change. If you’ve just given birth, it’s totally normal to feel nervous, tired, or even sad for a few days — sometimes called the “baby blues.” These feelings usually go away within the week

But for up to 20% of women, these symptoms don’t go away. When this happens, it may be a sign of postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is a mental health condition that causes ongoing sadness, hopelessness, and feelings of emptiness. 

PPD can affect: 

  • Your thoughts and actions

  • Your relationships

  • Your ability to function in day-to-day life

  • Your ability to care for yourself, and your baby

It’s important to know that PPD is a real health condition. Having PPD doesn’t mean that you aren’t a good parent, or that you don’t love your baby. 

And, fortunately, PPD is treatable with medications and therapy. Getting support from your healthcare providers, friends, and family can help you recover from PPD — and move forward in your journey as a parent.

Causes

Postpartum depression is a common condition. It’s the number one health problem in childbirth, affecting 10% to 20% of all women. It can even affect men and adoptive parents

We don’t know exactly why people get PPD. It’s possible that it’s somehow related to the emotional, social, and hormonal changes that happen when a new baby arrives.

We do know that some groups of people are more likely to get PPD. You may have a higher risk for postpartum depression if you: 

  • Have a history of depression or bipolar disorder

  • Have a family member with depression or bipolar disorder

  • Don’t have a good support network

  • Have relationship or money problems

  • Are under age 20

  • Have a history of alcohol or drug use problems

  • Have a baby with special needs

  • Experience problems with pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Have an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy

Having depression during pregnancy is the number one risk factor for PPD. 

Symptoms

Postpartum depression usually starts in the first month after the baby arrives. It can also begin up to a year after birth. Symptoms last for at least 2 weeks — and often longer

Common symptoms of postpartum depression are:

  • Feeling sad, hopeless, or anxious

  • Irritability

  • Guilt

  • Having a hard time feeling connected to your baby

  • Having a hard time feeling connected to your friends and family

  • Crying a lot

  • Feeling tired

  • Sleeping less or more than usual

  • Eating less or more than usual

  • Feeling nervous about your ability to care for your baby

  • Having trouble thinking clearly

  • Having thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby

Related Health Conditions

Diagnosis

If you have symptoms of postpartum depression, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can talk with you about your symptoms and make a diagnosis of PPD. 

Your provider might also have you fill out a questionnaire called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. This questionnaire can help you track your symptoms. You can also take it online and share the results with your doctor. 

In some cases, your provider might also order lab tests. These tests can help rule out any physical causes for your symptoms, like hypothyroidism or low iron

Medications

Postpartum depression is usually treated with therapy (counseling) and/or medication. There’s evidence that therapy and medications are equally effective

Medications used for PPD include:

  • Antidepressants: These are the most common medications for PPD. They are daily medications that help your symptoms go away. Antidepressants take several weeks to start working, but many can be used while breastfeeding.

  • Brexanolone (Zulresso): This is the only medication specifically FDA approved for PPD. It is given as an infusion (IV) over three days and begins working in 48 hours. It is not safe to use while breastfeeding.  

  • Esketamine (Spravato): This medication can be used when other depression treatments haven't helped. It is a nasal spray that works quickly. It is not safe to use while breastfeeding

Treatments

Therapy is the best nonmedication treatment for postpartum depression. Therapy can help you understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can also teach you new skills and coping strategies. There’s evidence that therapy works just as well as medications in treating PPD.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is also used to treat postpartum depression. ECT is a medical procedure where your brain is stimulated with electricity. It can be used when therapy and medications haven’t worked. 

Living

If you have postpartum depression, remember: It’s not your fault. PPD is a mental health condition that has nothing to do with your ability to be a good parent. 

Just like any other health condition, you deserve extra care and support while you are recovering. You may find it’s helpful to:

  • Talk with friends and family about your experience

  • Join a postpartum support group

  • Get help taking care of the baby

  • Sleep or rest as much as possible

  • Exercise (if you are able to)

  • Let go of nonurgent responsibilities

  • Be kind to yourself

It’s also important to have a safety plan, in case you have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby:

Common concerns

What’s the difference between perinatal and postpartum?

There are different words used for the time period before, during, and after childbirth:

  • Perinatal: This is the whole time period before, during, and after childbirth. It starts when you get pregnant and ends a year after giving birth. 

  • Prenatal: This is the time period before birth. It starts when you get pregnant and ends when you give birth.

  • Postpartum: This is the time period after birth. It starts when you give birth and ends a year later.  

How long does postpartum depression last?

It’s not clear. Many people with PPD get better in 3 to 6 months. But there’s evidence that some people can continue having symptoms for months or years — especially in people who have more severe symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment may help you recover more quickly.  

Can you get depression while pregnant?

Yes. It is possible to get depression while pregnant. This is sometimes called perinatal or prenatal depression. People who have depression while pregnant have a high risk for postpartum depression.

What is postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a rare condition that usually occurs in the first month after childbirth. People with PPP have an altered experience of reality, to the point where it interferes with their ability to function. 

Symptoms include:

  • Paranoia

  • Dramatic mood changes

  • Hallucinations

  • Delusions

  • Suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts

PPP is a medical emergency. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately. 

Can postpartum depression affect my baby?

Yes. This is why it is important to talk to your doctor if you’re having symptoms. 

Untreated postpartum depression can put your child at risk for:

  • Language and learning problems

  • Problems bonding

  • Behavior problems

  • Shorter height

  • Obesity

  • Problems dealing with stressful life situations




References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Screening for perinatal depression.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Depression among women.

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Fitelson, E., et al. (2011). Treatment of postpartum depression: Clinical, psychological, and pharmacological options. International Journal of Women’s Health.

Heger, E. (2018). When postpartum depression doesn’t go away. The Atlantic.

Markova, V., et al. (2015). Treatment for women with iron deficiency anaemia after childbirth. Cochrane.

Mott, S. L., et al. (2011). Depression and anxiety among postpartum and adoptive mothers. Archives of Women’s Mental Health.

National Health Service. (n.d.). What does perinatal mean? 

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Werner, E., et al. (2015). Preventing postpartum depression: Review and recommendations. Archives of Women’s Mental Health. 

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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