Depression after pregnancy; also called postnatal depression.
Moderate to severe depression that affects between 8% and 20% of women after pregnancy. Most of the time, it occurs within the first 4 weeks after delivery, although it may occur soon after delivery or up to a year later. Women with postpartum depression have such strong feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair that they have trouble coping with their daily tasks, including caring for their infants and other children.
An emotional low experienced by the mother following childbirth.
Depression which sometimes affects a woman after childbirth.
Severe depression after childbirth that does not resolve within a few weeks. Signs of this form of depression may include feelings of guilt, anxiety, or hopelessness that do not go away; inability to sleep or sleeping too much; anxiety or panic attacks; lack of interest in the baby or other family members; fear of harming the baby; suicidal thoughts; changes in appetite; or extreme fatigue.
Depression occurring up to 6 months after childbirth and not resolving in 1 or 2 weeks. The disease occurs in about 10% to 20% of women who have recently delivered.