The mildest and most common form of postpartum depression is known as the "baby blues" and occurs in 40 to 85 percent of deliveries. Symptoms arise spontaneously during the first 10 days after childbirth, and tend to peak around 3 to 5 days. Although symptoms are distressing, they subside within 24 to 72 hours. Typical symptoms include anxiety, depression, irritability, confusion, crying spells, sleep and appetite disturbances, and lack of feeling for the baby.
Postpartum depression can occur any time within the first year after childbirth—usually within 4 weeks after delivery but sometimes several months later. Symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks and must affect the mother's ability to function. Many patients suffer from symptoms 6 months after onset and when untreated up to 25 percent of patients are depressed one year later.
Events that predispose a woman to postpartum depression:
- Previous postpartum depression; one incidence may increase the risk of reoccurrence by up to 70 percent
- Depression unrelated to pregnancy; a prior episode may increase the risk by 30 percent
- Severe premenstrual syndrome
- Stressful marital, family, vocational, or financial conditions
- Unwanted pregnancy or ambivalence about the pregnancy
Symptoms reported for postpartum depression:
