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Table of Contents
Influencing Factors
When Does It Start?
Early Warning Signs
How to Get Help
Next in Postpartum Depression Guide
Postpartum depressionis depression that occurs after giving birth. It affects approximately 1 in 7 people who give birth.Postpartum depression risk factors include having a current or past mood disorder, having gone through a difficult birth, lacking support, or experiencing stressful life events after birth.Knowing the risk factors and warning signs can help you identify if and when it starts.
This article covers when postpartum depression starts, the early warning signs, and how to get help.
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What Factors Influence the Onset of Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depressionoccurs for a combination of reasons. Biologically, this includes hormonal changes after giving birth, specifically a fast drop inestrogenandprogesteronein the first day after birth and dropping levels ofthyroid hormonesin the days and months after birth.
Socially and emotionally, childbirth is a significant transition that can be associated with stress, worry, anxiety, and loss of identity—among other challenges.
Contributing factors to postpartum depression include:
When Does Postpartum Depression Start?
Most cases of postpartum depression start between four and eight weeks after childbirth.However, postpartum depression symptoms can occur as soon as 24 hours to as late as months after giving birth.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics advises screening for postpartum depression up to six months post-birth,some research suggests that healthcare providers should screen for postpartum depression for up to three years after giving birth. This is in light of evidence that postpartum depression can develop after the traditional six-month mark in some cases.
Of these people, nearly 60% had not had any depressive symptoms at their two- and six-month postpartum screenings.
Depression related to childbirth can also develop before birth; this is called prenatal depression. Both prenatal depression and postpartum depression make upperinatal depression, which is depression that occurs during pregnancy up to one year after childbirth.
Early Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression
Specificsymptomscan indicate the onset of postpartum depression. Knowing the following symptoms and warning signs can help you get timely and appropriate treatment.
Emotional Symptoms
Emotional symptoms of postpartum depression include how you feel, which—in some cases—can manifest as certain observable behaviors.
Emotional symptoms include:
Physical Symptoms
Postpartum depression can also affect you physically. There are many physical changes after giving birth and adjusting to life with an infant. Part of the challenge is determining if the symptoms are atypical and more serious.
Physical symptoms of postpartum depression include:
Behavioral Symptoms
Behavioral symptoms of postpartum depression include:
How to Get Help for Postpartum Depression
Since postpartum depression generally does not go away without treatment, it’s important to understand how to get treatment.
It can be challenging for new parents to speak openly about their symptoms. You may think feeling this way is a “normal” part of being a new parent, or you may feel guilt or shame for feeling sad during what is expected to be a joyous phase of life.
The truth is that although new parenthood can be hard, it shouldn’t cause depression. Talk to your partner, friends, family, and medical professionals about your symptoms to begin the diagnosis process.
Healthcare providers treat postpartum depression with a combination of talk therapy and antidepressants.A medication called Zulresso (brexanolone), which is delivered via a 60-hour continuous intravenous fluid after birth, is another option.
In 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvedZurzuvae(zuranolone), the first oral medication to treat postpartum depression.
Support groups are also beneficial for coping with postpartum depression and connecting to others in a similar situation.
Summary
Postpartum depression is depression that occurs within one year after childbirth. However, the reality of when postpartum depression starts is more complicated.
The general consensus among researchers is that most of the time, postpartum depression occurs within four to eight weeks after birth. However, emerging research indicates that it can also develop later (nine or 10 months after birth), with symptoms continuing potentially for years.
It can be hard to seek help and support for postpartum depression for a variety of reasons, but mental health should be a priority. Treatments, including talk therapy and medication, can bring relief to postpartum symptoms.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Postpartum depression: causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
Office on Women’s Health.Postpartum depression.
National Institute of Mental Health.Perinatal depression.
Lamere K, Golova N.Screening for postpartum depression during infant well child visits: a retrospective chart review.Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2022;61(10):699-706. doi:10.1177/00099228221097272
Putnick DL, Sundaram R, Bell EM, et al.Trajectories of maternal postpartum depressive symptoms.Pediatrics. 2020;146(5):e20200857. doi: 10.1542/peds.2020-0857
Robbins CL.Timing of postpartum depressive symptoms.Prev Chronic Dis. 2023;20. doi: 10.5888/pcd20.230107
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Postpartum depression.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first treatment for postpartum depression.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.FDA approves first oral treatment for postpartum depression.
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