post-natal depression

Having a baby is a life-changing experience. Pregnancy and the first year after the birth are periods that many parents find quite stressful. The birth of a baby is an emotional experience and, for many new mothers, feeling tearful and depressed is also common. However, sometimes longer periods of depression, known as postnatal depression (PND), can occur during the first few weeks and months of the baby's life.

PND can have a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, and many women are unaware that they have the condition. It is therefore important for partners, family, friends and healthcare professionals to recognise the signs of PND as early as possible so that the appropriate treatment can be given. Following childbirth, there are three different types of depression, which are outlined below.

Baby Blues

'Baby blues' is a common cause of feeling low, and it is the least severe type of PND. It does not usually last very long, starting from around the third day after birth and lasting until around the tenth day. During this time, you may feel tearful and irritable, but no medical treatment is needed.

Postnatal depression (PND)

Postnatal depression (PND) affects about one in 10 mothers in the UK, and usually develops in the first four to six weeks after childbirth. However, in some cases it may take several months to develop. If you feel depressed for most of the time, and the feelings do not go away, you may have PND. Your GP will be able to determine whether you have the condition and, if you do, suggest an appropriate course of treatment.

Postnatal psychosis

Postnatal psychosis is a rare but severe form of depression. It develops in about one in 1,000 mothers. Symptoms can include irrational behaviour, confusion and suicidal thoughts. Women with postnatal psychosis often need specialist psychiatric treatment.