Perinatal Depression
Perinatal Depression

Perinatal Depression

When a woman feels excessive sadness, anger, or anxiety during pregnancy or during the first 12 months after she gives birth, she has a condition called perinatal depression. This can interfere with work, school, relationships, and other everyday activities. If it is not managed properly, it can also interfere with the woman's ability to take care of the baby.

Symptoms of perinatal depression may feel worse when living with a newborn. Sometimes, these symptoms are left untreated because they are thought to be normal mood swings during and right after pregnancy. However, if you have intense symptoms of depression that last for more than 2 weeks, it is important to talk with your health care provider. This may be perinatal depression.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of this condition is not known. Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy may play a role in causing perinatal depression.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if:
  • You have a personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or mood disorders.
  • You experience a stressful life event during pregnancy, such as the death of a loved one.
  • You have additional life stress, such as being a single parent.
  • You do not have support from family members or loved ones, or you are in an abusive relationship.
  • You have thyroid problems.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:
  • Emotional symptoms, such as:
    • Feeling sad or hopeless.
    • Feelings of guilt.
    • Feeling irritable or overwhelmed.
  • Physical symptoms, such as:
    • Changes with appetite or sleep.
    • Lack of energy or motivation.
    • Persistent headaches or stomach problems.
  • Behavioral symptoms, such as:
    • Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks.
    • Loss of interest in hobbies or relationships.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on a physical exam and mental evaluation.
  • In some cases, your health care provider may use a depression screening tool. This includes a list of questions that can help a health care provider diagnose depression.
  • You may be referred to a mental health expert who specializes in treating perinatal depression.

How is this treated?

This condition may be treated with:
  • Talk therapy with a mental health professional. This may be interpersonal psychotherapy, couples therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or mother-child bonding therapy.
  • Medicines. Your health care provider will discuss the safety of the medicines prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Support groups.
  • Brain stimulation or light therapies.
  • Stress reduction therapies, such as mindfulness.

Follow these instructions at home:

Lifestyle

  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Do not drink alcohol when you are pregnant. It is also safest not to drink alcohol if you are breastfeeding.
  • After your baby is born, if you drink alcohol:
    • Limit how much you have to 0–1 drink a day.
    • Be aware of how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one 12 oz bottle of beer (355 mL), one 5 oz glass of wine (148 mL), or one 1½ oz glass of hard liquor (44 mL).
  • Consider joining a support group for new mothers. Ask your health care provider for recommendations.
  • Take good care of yourself. Make sure you:
    • Get as much sleep as possible. Talk with your partner about sharing the responsibility of getting up with your baby if possible and sharing child care responsibilities equally. Make sleep a priority.
    • Eat a healthy diet. This includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
    • Exercise regularly, as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what exercises are safe for you. Talk with your partner about making sure you both have opportunities to exercise.

General instructions

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Talk with your partner or family members about your feelings during pregnancy. Share any concerns, needs, or anxieties that you may have. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Find a mental health professional, if needed.
  • Ask for help with tasks or chores when you need it. Ask friends and family members to provide meals, watch your children, or help with cleaning.
  • Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You or people close to you notice that you have symptoms of depression.
  • Your symptoms of depression get worse.
  • You take medicines and have side effects, such as nausea or sleep problems.

Get help right away if:

  • You feel like hurting yourself, your baby, or someone else.

If you feel like you may hurt yourself or others, or have thoughts about taking your own life, get help right away. You can go to your nearest emergency department or:
  • Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
  • Call a suicide crisis helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-8255 or 988 in the U.S. This is open 24 hours a day in the U.S.
  • Text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 (in the U.S.).

Summary

  • Perinatal depression is when a woman feels excessive sadness, anger, or anxiety during pregnancy or during the first 12 months after she gives birth.
  • If perinatal depression is not managed properly, it can interfere with the woman's ability to take care of the baby.
  • This condition is treated with medicines, talk therapy, stress reduction therapies, or a combination of treatments.
  • Talk with your partner or family members about your feelings. Ask for help when you need it.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.