Postnatal Depression
What is the difference between Postnatal Depression and Baby Blues?
Strong feelings are an inherent part of being a parent and depression often associated with anxiety is a common condition affecting a large number of women of childbearing age. It is the most prevalent mood disorder associated with childbirth. Often onset begins in the first three months after the birth of baby or any time in the first twelve months. However it has been established that it may be present in the antenatal period peaking at around 32 weeks as women are prone to hormonal changes.
Postnatal depression is different to what is often called baby blues which is a milder type of depression occurring after childbirth usually around the 3rd to the 10th day after giving birth. Unlike postnatal depression it can last from a few hours to a few days only. During this time you may feel sensitive, tearful and irritable but no medical treatment is needed. You may even experience these feelings during pregnancy and they may be a reaction to an event like illness or to leaving work.
In contrast postnatal depression can last for weeks and months and may feel very disabling as its saps a mother's energy.
See Also:
How can I tell if I have postnatal depression?
What should I do if I suspect that I might be suffering from postnatal depression?
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