Question: What Are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
Answer:
About 30-80% of new mothers will experience what is known as "the baby blues." The baby blues is a relatively mild type of postpartum depression which generally resolves itself within 3-10 days. Symptoms include:
- Moodiness
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Crying spells
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
About 10% of women, however, will develop postpartum major depression. It can begin anytime within the first year following childbirth and its symptoms are more severe and longer lasting. The symptoms of postpartum major depression may include:
- Crying spells
- Poor concentration
- Indecisiveness
- Profound sadness
- Feelings of failure and inadequacy
- Thoughts about suicide
- Symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as cold intolerance, fatigue, dry skin, slowed thinking, constipation and fluid retention.
About 1-2 in 1000 women - especially those who have bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder - will develop postpartum psychosis. Postpartum psychosis commonly begins within two weeks of childbirth and is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Worsening insomnia
- Agitation
- Delusions
- Seeing things that aren't there
- Feelings of confusion
- Rapid mood swings
- Thoughts of wanting to hurt oneself or the baby
- Disinterest in or inappropriate responses to the baby.
