Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy and After Birth

Signs and Symptoms

Baby blues

Up to 70% of women will experience some of these symptoms in the first two weeks postpartum. This is referred to at the "baby blues"

• Crying or feeling sad
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Feeling worried or anxious
• Frustration

Sometimes the “baby blues” do not go away. If you have experienced any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, you may be struggling with a Perinatal Mood Disorder (PMD).

Perinatal mood disorders

• Sadness
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Loss of interest in normal activities
• Irritability, frustration and anger
• Worry
• Feelings of guilt, loneliness, and confusion
• Isolating yourself from family and friends
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

You are at an increased risk of PMD if:

• There is a family history of depression
• You have a lack of support
• You experience complications or illness during pregnancy and the delivery
• You are experiencing extra stressors (such as a sick or high needs baby, family or financial challenges)

Postpartum psychosis

In rare cases, Perinatal Depression can become a psychiatric emergency called Postpartum Psychosis. This illness begins suddenly in the days or weeks after having your baby. Symptoms can change rapidly and include:

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Hearing or seeing things that are not there
• Thinking something is going to harm you or your baby
• Feeling confused

If this happens, parents should not be left alone or with the baby. Call a doctor! Visit your local emergency department or contact your local crisis line immediately.