When it comes to postpartum depression, Preparing for you means learning the signs
Whether you’re a first-time mom or expecting another, having a baby comes with some highs…and lows. When those lows are severe and last for two weeks or longer, they can be a sign of postpartum depression (PPD). If you’re pregnant, start the conversation with your healthcare provider to learn the potential signs and symptoms, or yellow flags, of PPD. Because when you take care of you, you’re taking care of your baby too.
Not intended as medical advice. You should always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose PPD.
Postpartum mental health
PPD can happen to any woman
From stocking up on diapers to choosing the best swaddle, there’s a lot to do when you’re expecting. But it’s important to take time to prepare for you too.
The weeks and months after having a baby can sometimes come with intense feelings that don’t go away. Despite being one of the most common conditions associated with pregnancy, postpartum depression (PPD) is often underdiagnosed. Additionally, any woman can develop PPD, regardless of their risk factors or the number of pregnancies they’ve had.
Knowing the PPD yellow flags now may help you recognize if these feelings and others may be potential signs of PPD. That way you can understand potential symptoms early, ask your healthcare team for support, and get connected with resources.
Build a plan. Listen to your instincts. Learn the PPD yellow flags so you can be prepared to get help if needed.
Understanding PPD
When feelings become yellow flags
Postpartum depression, or PPD, is a type of depression that affects some women after they give birth.
While everyone’s experience with PPD is different, a loss of interest in activities you love and/or feelings of sadness that are persistent, intense, and last longer than two weeks may be signs of PPD.*
Start a conversation about postpartum depression with your healthcare team now so you’re ready to recognize PPD yellow flags should they appear. It's an important way you could prepare to take care of you and your baby after your little one arrives.
Click or tap the dots to view stats and learn more about PPD.
~ 1 in 8women report having symptoms of PPD after giving birth*Postpartum depression symptoms can occur any time within the first 12 months of birth.
* Only a healthcare provider can diagnose PPD. These are not all the potential signs and symptoms of PPD.
~ 2 in 3women who experience PPD symptoms do not receive a PPD diagnosis*
* Only a healthcare provider can diagnose PPD. These are not all the potential signs and symptoms of PPD.
~ 1 in 4 women with PPD will experience PPD again after subsequent pregnancies*
* Only a healthcare provider can diagnose PPD. These are not all the potential signs and symptoms of PPD.
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Know when it’s time to raise a yellow flag
Postpartum depression (PPD) is more than just feeling sad. Some common signs include a depressed mood, loss of interest in activities you love, feeling anxious, fatigued, and doubting your ability to care for your baby.* These symptoms are often overwhelming, disruptive, and can affect your day-to-day life.
Of the women who experience PPD symptoms, about 2 in 3 never get diagnosed. Since everyone experiences PPD differently, understanding the potential signs and symptoms, or yellow flags, can prepare you to reach out for help if needed.
You can explore some of the symptoms of PPD by expanding the sections below.
Yellow Flags
Emotions and feelings
- Persistent sad or “empty” mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
- Irritability or frustration
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Hopelessness or pessimism
- Anxious mood
- Thoughts of death, suicide attempts, or self-harm*
* If you’re thinking about suicide, call 911. You can also call 988 to reach the confidential National Suicide Prevention hotline 24/7.
Thoughts and
decision-making abilities
- Impaired ability to think or concentrate
- Difficulty making decisions
- Memory problems
Physical health
and wellness
- Difficulty sleeping, waking early, or oversleeping
- Restlessness or having trouble sitting still
- Abnormal changes in weight or appetite
- Fatigue or abnormal decrease in energy
Connection and bond
with baby
- Trouble bonding or forming an attachment with the baby
- Persistent doubts about ability to care for the baby
- Thoughts of infant-related harm†
† If you fear for your safety or the safety of your child, get help immediately by calling 911. You can also call 988 to reach the confidential National Suicide Prevention hotline 24/7.
* These are not all the potential signs and symptoms of PPD. If you experience or have any questions about the symptoms above, talk to a healthcare provider. Only they can diagnose PPD. Healthcare providers can also answer any questions you have about PPD or available treatments.
If you’re pregnant, learning about PPD could help you feel more prepared.
Start the PPD conversation with your healthcare team and support system now.
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