[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/07\/postpartum-depression\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/07\/postpartum-depression\/","headline":"When to Seek Help for Peripartum (or Postpartum) Depression","name":"When to Seek Help for Peripartum (or Postpartum) Depression","description":"Many new moms aren't sure if their fatigue and sadness are just the \"baby blues\" or postpartum depression. Here's when to seek help \u2014 and how to get treatment.","datePublished":"2022-07-22","dateModified":"2024-06-18","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","name":"UPMC Magee-Womens","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/women-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-magee-womens-hospital\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/GettyImages-1323110774.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/GettyImages-1323110774.jpg","height":867,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/07\/postpartum-depression\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Pregnancy and Childbirth"],"wordCount":1157,"articleBody":"The days and months after the birth of a baby are expected to be a joyful time. But you may also feel tired, nervous, or even a bit sad, as you adapt to the challenges of caring for a newborn. This is called the baby blues.Baby blues are very common and occur in 50% to 80% of moms. But those “baby blues” typically go away after a few days as you adjust.Most women don’t expect to feel more intense, negative emotions, such as lingering sadness, anger, or a disconnect from their baby. But some women do experience these symptoms. Formerly known as postpartum depression, it’s now called peripartum depression because it may begin during pregnancy.With peripartum depression, symptoms are more severe and last longer, and there is functional impairment associated with the symptoms. And peripartum depression is a serious mental health condition that requires treatment to get better.Knowing when to seek help for peripartum depression is important. Left untreated, peripartum depression could put both you and your baby’s development and life at risk.What Is Peripartum Depression?If you’re a new mother and you experience negative feelings that won’t go away, you aren’t alone. Though commonly known as postpartum or peripartum depression, the medical term for what you’re feeling is major depressive disorder (MDD) with peripartum onset. It’s also now known as peripartum depression or perinatal depression. These terms apply whether the symptoms arise during or after pregnancy.Not just the ‘baby blues’Peripartum depression isn’t just the “baby blues” that your mother or best friend told you about.According to the American Psychiatric Association, up to 70% of women experience some level of fatigue, stress, anxiety, and irritability during and after pregnancy. These symptoms don’t stop you from taking care of yourself or your baby. Usually, once you get a routine going, these feelings last a week or two and then generally go away on their own.A common \u2014 but often silent \u2014 epidemicPeripartum depression is depression that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth or during both times. It affects 1 in 8 women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In some states, that number is as high as 1 in 5 women.It’s now called peripartum depression because the depression often starts before the birth of the baby. A review in Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology found that up to one-third of women who experience this type of depression will develop symptoms during pregnancy.All too often, women with peripartum depression suffer in silence. It’s a largely undiagnosed condition. Half of all women with peripartum depression never tell their doctor or family members, according to StatPearls.Women often don’t say anything because they don’t want others to think they are a “bad mother.” They feel guilty, ashamed, or embarrassed by what they’re feeling. You’re not a “bad mother” if you have peripartum depression, and you should not feel ashamed. Peripartum depression is not your fault and is very common. The best thing you can do for you and your baby is to seek treatment and reach out for supportWhen to Seek Help for Peripartum DepressionSymptoms of peripartum depression are more severe than what you feel with typical “baby blues.” These symptoms are emotionally and physically debilitating, making it hard for you to care for yourself and your baby. And they last longer than typical “baby blues” \u2014 sometimes up to two years postpartum.Symptoms of peripartum depressionIt’s important to tell your ob-gyn or doctor if you have unusual thoughts or feelings during pregnancy or after giving birth. These include:Frequent crying and sadness, often for no reason.Feeling angry.Feeling empty or numb.Not feeling connected to your baby.Thinking you’re not a good mom.Withdrawing from loved ones.Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.Changes in appetite.Increased fatigue or loss of energy.Lack of interest in activities that you once enjoyed.Fear of hurting the baby or yourself.Thoughts of death or suicide.In rare cases, some mothers experience hallucinations \u2014 seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. This is known as postpartum psychosis.When to call your doctorCall your ob-gyn or doctor right away if:You have several of the symptoms above for more than two weeks.Your symptoms are getting worse.You are having problems with daily activities or taking care of yourself or your baby.You have thoughts of suicide or thoughts of harming your child.You are experiencing hallucinations.How to Treat Peripartum DepressionTreatment for peripartum depression can include psychotherapy, medicine, or a combination of both. Another important but often overlooked factor is the level of support. Reaching out to loved ones and friends for support during this difficult time can go a long way.TherapyAlso known as talk therapy or counseling, therapy usually involves meeting with a licensed medical professional to discuss what you’re feeling. Types of effective talk therapy include:Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment centers around changing thoughts and behaviors to help manage a condition. CBT is often used for treating anxiety and depression.Interpersonal therapy. Also common for depression treatment, interpersonal therapy focuses on social and personal relationships. It aims to help people improve communication in their relationships and develop support systems, among other goals.Other therapy options. Support groups and parenting classes may also help you manage your symptoms and better care for your baby.Daily antidepressant medicinesYour doctor may prescribe an antidepressant to treat your depression. Talk with your health care provider to discuss if a medication is the right choice for you. As with any medication, the risks and benefits of medication, including in pregnancy and breastfeeding, need to be weighed against the risks of untreated depression and anxiety. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant and planning to breastfeed.BrexanoloneThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved brexanolone as the first drug designed specifically for peripartum depression. Unlike existing antidepressants, brexanolone mimics a hormone that is naturally produced in the body.UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital has partnered with UPMC Western Behavioral Health to now offer brexanolone as part of a comprehensive treatment program for depression that occurs during pregnancy or postpartum.Brexanolone treatment at UPMC Magee requires a two-night stay in the hospital for an intravenous infusion of the medicine that is delivered over 60 hours. Women interested in the treatment should talk to their doctor about a referral to the UPMC Western Behavioral Health perinatal psychiatry team to determine eligibility. They also can email brexanolone@UPMC.edu.SourcesPostpartum Depression. StatPearls. Link Pathophysiological Mechanisms Implicated in Postpartum Depression. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. January 2019. Link.  What is Postpartum Depression? American Psychiatric Association. Link. Vital Signs: Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Provider Discussions About Perinatal Depression. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. May 15, 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Link.  Depression Among Women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Link. "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2022","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"07","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/\/07\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"When to Seek Help for Peripartum (or Postpartum) Depression","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/07\/postpartum-depression\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]