Do you feel down after childbirth? More than half of all mothers experience what's known as baby blues after giving birth. However, if your symptoms persist for more than two weeks or become more severe, it might be postpartum depression instead. Read on to learn more about the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression and take our self-assessment test in the LEIA Health app to gain a better understanding of your well-being.
What is baby blues?
Having a baby is a significant life change. During pregnancy or when you're a new parent, it's entirely common to feel down, have mood swings, experience anxiety, and feel tired. This doesn't necessarily mean you have depression.
Many women feel temporarily down, often referred to as baby blues, within two to three days after childbirth. Baby blues typically resolve within two weeks.
However, if you experience persistent sadness, you might be dealing with postpartum depression, and seeking help is essential.
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Symptoms of postpartum depression
If you have postpartum depression, you may recognize one or more of the following statements:
You find it challenging to experience joy, and activities you once enjoyed no longer seem pleasurable.
You have sleep problems, extreme fatigue, low energy, and difficulty concentrating.
You experience guilt, feelings of hopelessness, and a sense of worthlessness.
Your mood fluctuates, and you may feel anxiety, intense worry, or panic.
You have fluctuations in weight, struggle with eating, or engage in constant snacking.
You may struggle with personal hygiene and find it difficult to care for your child.
Social interactions become challenging, and you avoid friends and loved ones.
You have thoughts of self-harm or harming your child.
It's not only pregnant and birthing individuals who can feel down; co-parents can also experience depression. Consider sharing this article with your partner, or a friend if you're a single parent, to help each other watch out for warning signs.
Contact a healthcare center, midwifery clinic, or psychologist if you suspect you have depression.
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Source: 1177.se (Swedish Healthcare Guide)