Glossary

Term · Postpartum: Mind

perinatal depression

Also: prenatal depression, antenatal depression, peripartum depression

Depression that starts in pregnancy or in the first year after birth. It is more than the baby blues, lasts longer, and is common and treatable.

In plain words

Perinatal depression is depression that begins during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. It can bring low mood, loss of interest, heavy tiredness, changes in appetite, or thoughts that you are failing. It is more than the , which usually fade within about two weeks. Perinatal depression lasts longer and affects daily life. It is common, and it is not a personal failing or a sign you are a bad mother. Many people recover with support, therapy, or medication, and some do both. Tell your provider if these feelings last more than two weeks or get worse. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text now.

The deeper version

Perinatal depression is a major depressive episode with onset during pregnancy or within the first postpartum year. DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) specifies "" for episodes beginning during pregnancy or within 4 weeks after delivery, while clinical and research convention extends the window to 12 months. ACOG Clinical Practice Guideline No. 4 (2023) recommends universal screening for depression with validated tools, such as the or , at least once during the perinatal period. Prevalence is commonly estimated at about 10 to 20 percent, varying by population and measure. Differentiation from baby blues rests on duration, severity, and functional impairment, and from on a history of mania or , which changes the treatment approach.

Where it comes up

What mothers here say about perinatal depression

No one has posted under this term yet.

Share your experience, or ask

Sign in with Google to post under this topic. Your first name and photo come from Google; you can change what shows later. No membership needed.

Sources

  • American Psychiatric Association — Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), 2013
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Clinical Practice Guideline No. 4: Screening and Diagnosis of Mental Health Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum (2023)

The Mothership Topic Wiki is general information for mothers and the people who care for them. It is not medical, legal, or mental-health advice and does not create a provider relationship. Experiences posted by members are their own. In an emergency call 911. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.