Health Hotline Magazine | May 2025

BABY BLUES VS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

The baby blues only last a few days to a couple of weeks after you give birth. You may experience mood swings, anxiety, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, crying, an inability to concentrate, and sleep problems, symptoms that are tied to a dramatic drop in hormones directly after giving birth. But the baby blues go away on their own. The symptoms of PPD can be similar, but are more extreme and last longer; they can include di culty bonding with your baby, withdrawing from friends and family, overwhelming fatigue, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, intense anger, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness, shame, or guilt, severe anxiety, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. Untreated PPD is not only harmful for the mother, but may a ect the child’s cognitive and emotional development and can also increase the child’s risk of depression and anxiety later in life.

It is estimated that one in seven women experience PPD, but that number is likely much higher because as many as half of women with PPD go undiagnosed. Researchers are still trying to elucidate the exact biological mechanisms behind PPD, but studies are pointing to a combination of increased inflammation after childbirth, a drastic drop in sex hormones, and micronutrient deficiencies (including the B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fats) as some common causes. While it’s important to seek professional help if you think you may be su ering from PPD, there are ways you can support your body and mind throughout your pregnancy (the earlier you start, the better), and through the transition from pregnancy to motherhood.

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