Menu
Search
Essentia Health Menu
Home > Services > Obstetrics > Postpartum Depression
Having a baby can be exciting and overwhelming. Postpartum depression is the most common complication of childbirth. It affects about 1 in 8 women and is very treatable.
You may also have heard about the baby blues. Baby blues are very common. Up to 4 out of 5 women have baby blues. With help and support, you can feel like yourself again. Baby blues symptoms include:
These symptoms usually occur shortly after birth and can last up to 3 weeks. Things that help with the symptoms include:
If symptoms interfere with your life or last longer than 2 to 3 weeks, you may have postpartum depression. If these symptoms persist, you may want to see your health care provider.
It is easy to confuse the symptoms of postpartum depression with baby blues. Postpartum depression can occur anytime during your pregnancy up until one year after birth.
If you think you have postpartum depression, watch for these symptoms:
Postpartum psychosis is very rare and is a medical emergency that needs medical help right away. Some signs include:
Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the above symptoms.
Being a good mom means taking care of yourself. If you take care of yourself, you can take better care of your baby and your family.
Women who have a history of depression are more likely to become depressed during pregnancy or after birth. Depression can be caused by stress, hormone changes, trauma, lack of support and other factors. If you are depressed, you need to get help. It will not get better on its own. Talk to your provider or a therapist.